Fixing Receding Gums

Soft Tissue Grafting

When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When receding gums are a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.

In addition, receding gums often result in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. When significant, gum recession can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.

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A real example of gum recession

Before Gum Grafting

A corrected gum line recession after gum grafting

After Gum Grafting

A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable, healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.

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Winchester Oral Surgery Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 47 Soft Tissue Grafting reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Coviello was able to perform successful surgery on my jaw to deal with Osteonecrosis of the jaw. He initially thought he would have to remove 2 teeth, but was able to remove the dead bone without removing any teeth. That was great news and like I said the surgery was very successful. He has my gratitude and I will definitely return to him should further surgery be needed.

- Tom S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

YESTERDAY Dr. Coviello, pulled 3 teeth, placed 6 implants, and added full fixed arch bridge. Today my pain level is 0. Yes, I'm swollen and will be sore for serval days I'm sure. I will be on soft foods for while. But I'm amazed how well it went. Dr. Coviello, took his time with me before he started, showing and explaining everything, making sure I had no concerns for questions. He was thoughtful and caring and I appreciate that. I have been dealing with a partial for nearly 40 years. I am so excited to have my new smile... Thank you Dr. Coviello.

- Tim E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Coviello and his staff are outstanding. It has been 1 week since my visit. I have experienced no pain or discomfort I strongly recommend Dr. Coviello and Winchester Oral Surgery

- Denis J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Appreciate the kindness shown by everyone. Everyone answered questions and ensured I was comfortable with the procedure. Appreciated the way they did everything they could to make me aware of what to expect with the COVID procedures with videos posted on the website.

- Barb M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr and staff did a fantastic job Thank you Albert Felicio

- Albert F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

From the time you enter the office until the time you leave you feel as though your problem will be cared for. Friendly professional staff and very experienced Doctors seem to know how to properly treat patients.

- Charles M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

A month ago my teenage daughter was attacked by a Pit Bull. Her entire cheek was ripped open. Lacerations from her upper lip to inside her nose. She had a tooth knocked out and lost about a 1/3 of her lower lip. Dr. Starley was called in as the trauma doctor. He was able to look at her face and tell us exactly what he was going to do. He said he was going to look at the tooth and see if he would be able to put it back in. He did an absolute amazing job with everything. The tiny stitches. Pulling her cheek pack together. It’s only been 4 weeks and everything is healing nicely and the tooth even took hold. Follow-up appointments went smoothly, even with the special protocols due to Covid-19. God truly gave this man a gift and we were blessed to have had him as a surgeon for our daughter.

- Holly A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Having had a similar procedure several yeas ago - the most unpleasant and painful experience in my entire life - Dr. Starley is a breath of fresh air! Had a consultation with him a few days before the procedure, and he was unbelievable reassuring, especially after I described to him my painful earlier experience with a different tooth that had broken off at the gum line. True, I felt stings when he administered the numbing injections, but they were not bad. His assistant too, Madeline, was also comforting and supportive throughout. Dr. Starley told me to let him know if I was feeling any pain during the extraction so he could numb me more, but all I felt was some pressure which was not bad at all. Overall, compared to my many dozen of dental procedures over the decades, this was the least stressful and overall painfree

- MICHAEL C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Best place to go if you have a dental phobia. The experience is outstanding from start to finish. The staff are very professional and courteous, always smiling and you will find out it is not just a show when you finally meet the doctors, who have great personalities and a comforting demeanor. The waiting room is a spa - beautiful, never seen a waiting room like that, and the procedure room is also outstanding, no clutter. I got my wisdom tooth extracted and I kid-you-not- i would let them take them all out, all this coming from someone with the worst dental phobia in the "world". I felt no pain, this is the epitome of pain free dentistry. Then i got a call personally from the surgeon, Dr. Starley, to see how i am doing. All in all, they live up to their company's slogan, "Personalized Care, Surgical Excellence. I think they should emphasize the spa dental treatment. I highly recommend this company. Did i say i drove over an hour for this extraction, never heard of them before, but I prayed as i was so scared and God delivered!

- Georgia R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This place is amazing I had such a wonderful experience if I need any future dental work it will most definitely Be here. They are Friendly as soon as you walk in the door I even received a phone call several hours later to check on me hands-down top notch.

- Michael Z

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My wisdom teeth needed immediate extraction and my primary dentist could not schedule me until over 2 months! Obviously unable to wait 2 months, I called Winchester Oral Surgery Center and got an appointment within the same week. The staff was absolutely wonderful and made me feel very comfortable for my first anesthesia procedure. Thank you to Dr. Coviello & staff! You were wonderful!

- Alyson C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

So thankful for Winchester Oral Surgery! My mind was blown when I received a telephone call that same afternoon to check in on how I was doing from my procedure that morning.

- Kimberly M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

They were absolutely fantastic! And oh so very kind <3 Truly a lovely experience. I'm hoping to never have to return to their office in the future, but if that is needed they will be the ones I call. Thank you so much!

- Brandy L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Coviello was an Angel sent from Heaven!!!! I had gotten bitten in the face by a dog and my whole chin was completely hanging off my face, I was terrified thought I'd never look the same and let's face it being a woman no one wants their face to be messed up. I was sent to Winchester, VA ER Where Dr. Coviello was called in to perform my surgery, I was so scared and freaked out, but he was very comforting telling me he would do his very best to fix my face, he was so kind..I was very fortunate to have had him to perform my surgery, It's now been about a year and half and my face has healed so very good, very minimal scarring on my face but I also followed his directions very closely and kept the wound clean. Once it healed up(no open wound), I kept mederma on it 2x's a day. I will be returning to get the microdermabrasion done to try and get rid of the scar permanently. I just wanted to give credit to the Dr who saved my life literally bc this not only scarred my face but it has scarred me emotionally and thank god for his godly hands or my face would be all messed up!! Thank You So Very Much Dr. Coviello I will be forever grateful for your work!!! I'll be seeing you soon to get the final procedure done..

- TARA M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Doctor Coviello and every single member of the medical and office staff were all so courteous, kind and helpful to me from my first email inquiry, my consultation, my surgery last Tuesday to my phone call with questions regarding my recovery today. At the consultation I did not feel I was being rushed as I have with many medical appointments. Doctor Coviello listened to my background story that led to my extreme fear of dentists and reassured me telling me that I would feel no pain during the surgery. I found it hard to believe but I felt no pain and am recovering well. Everything was explained well to me in advance. At my age I would love to get this treatment from every medical person who treats me. I highly recommend them.

- Dorothy D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This was the first time I needed to have teeth removed. Dr. Starley was wonderful, patient and explained all my options. He (and the entire staff) was pleasant, efficient, and professional. I was very happy with the results. They also went out of their way to work with my insurance and to make everything affordable. Thank you!

- Janine H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everything went like a well run machine. From the start of the appointment scheduling, meeting Dr. Starley, setting up my tongue biopsy with the scheduler, finally the dreaded day for my procedure. Met at desk by the most cheerful young lady and escorted back to Dr. Starley by his assistant Brian. Brian helped me try to relax very nice young man. Dr. Starley and Brian work so well together they knew exactly what the other needed. No one wants the tip of their tongue removed. But, if you have to have it done this is the place to go. Office and back rooms were very clean. I am an 82 year old handicap lady. Their caring meant a lot to me and my daughters.

- Betty K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff is very friendly and puts you at ease. My wisdom teeth were removed and I was nervous about being put under for the first time. It ended up fine and I would definitely come back to this place if I have any dental problems in future. I've had friends who got their wisdom teeth done at other places and dealt with rude staff, here that is not the case at all, the staff care and take time to make sure you are comfortable and know what's going on.

- Kristen h

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Our first experience with your practice was several years ago with Dr. Coviello and my sons broken jaw. We were highly satisfied then. Recently our youngest son was in a horrible car accident and we were introduced to Dr. Starley, I cant begin to say enough good things about him he was as good with us as parents as he was with our son through this horrible three week time. Overall I highly recommend either of these doctors they are wonderful!!

- Linda S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Fantastic job. Staff was caring and professional. I would recommend them to everyone.

- A J

5 out of 5 stars on