A gum graft is a small surgical procedure in which gum tissue is moved to cover an exposed tooth root or to thicken thin gum. Maida Smiles offers graft surgery for receding gums. Our fee page lists a free gingival graft from £1,800 per tooth or implant, and root coverage surgery from £2,200 for up to four teeth. Dr Quintal, who holds a master's degree in periodontology, manages our gum graft cases.
Not every receding gum needs surgery. Many people with recession never need a graft, and the first step is an assessment to find out why the gum has moved and whether it is still moving. This page explains what gum recession is, when a graft is worth considering, what the alternatives are, the risks, what recovery involves and what it costs.
A gum graft is considered when recession is causing a problem that simpler measures have not solved, and when the gum around the tooth is healthy enough to heal. Common reasons include:
The BSP is clear that gum disease must be treated before any procedure to replace or mask receded gums. A graft placed in a mouth with active disease or poor plaque control is unlikely to last, so you may be asked to improve your brushing and have a hygiene visit before surgery is planned.
Book an assessment if you notice that a tooth looks longer than it did, you can feel a notch near the gum line, a root is sensitive to cold air or drinks, or recession seems to be getting worse. Gums that bleed, feel sore, look swollen or smell unpleasant point to gum disease, and need attention sooner. Loose or moving teeth should always be checked promptly.
You can book online or call 020 3583 9809. A new patient examination is £110 and an existing patient examination is £95, with a £50 refundable deposit at booking. Our opening hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00, and Tuesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 20:00.
Gum recession is the loss of gum from around a tooth, so that more of the tooth, and often some of the root, shows. The British Society of Periodontology (BSP) says gums can recede for several reasons, including gum disease, treatment for gum disease, brushing too firmly and orthodontic braces, and that an injury can also expose the root. The NHS lists gums shrinking among the effects of gum disease.
Recession matters because the root is not covered by hard enamel. An exposed root can feel sensitive, can collect plaque more easily and can make a tooth look longer. Some people simply dislike how it looks. If your gums bleed, feel sore or look swollen as well, you may have underlying gum disease, which needs treating first.
Gum recession treatment is any care that protects the exposed root, slows the recession or hides its effects. Surgery is one option among several, and your periodontist will usually talk through the others first.
If the recession is mild and not changing, the simplest plan is to watch it. We can measure and record the gum level at your check ups, so any change shows up early. This is often the right answer for recession that causes no symptoms.
Brushing too hard, or with a scrubbing action, can wear gum away, so a change in technique is often the first step. A hygienist can show you how to clean along the gum line gently and how to use interdental brushes. You can read about our hygiene visits and what they involve. The BSP also notes that regular check ups and cleaning with a dentist or hygienist help maintain gum health.
Where the main problem is sensitivity, your dentist can apply desensitising products to exposed root surfaces and recommend a suitable toothpaste. This does not bring the gum back, but it can make an exposed root easier to live with.
Tooth coloured filling material can cover an exposed root surface or close a small gap where the gum has shrunk. The BSP mentions tooth coloured fillings, and gum coloured false gums, as ways to mask gaps once the gums are healthy. Our page on composite bonding lists protection of tooth roots among its uses. Bonding covers the tooth, it does not rebuild the gum, so it suits some patients and not others.
A gum graft, also called gingival grafting or periodontal plastic surgery, is a procedure that adds gum tissue to an area where it is missing or too thin. According to the BSP, soft tissue grafting involves a dentist taking gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth to cover exposed roots. A local anaesthetic is used, the gum is gently loosened, the graft is placed and protected, and the area is closed with stitches that either dissolve or are removed later.
There are two procedures on our fee page, and they do slightly different jobs.
A free gingival graft is a small piece of firm, thick gum, usually taken from the roof of the mouth, that is stitched onto an area with too little gum. Its main job is to add a band of sturdy gum around a tooth or an implant. It is listed on our fee page as "Free Gingival Graft (per tooth or implant)". Because it creates thicker gum rather than mainly covering a root, your periodontist will say whether it fits your situation.
Root coverage surgery is a procedure designed to cover an exposed root with gum, using a graft or a graft substitute that is moved over the root and secured. It is listed on our fee page as "Gingival Plastic Surgery (Root Coverage)", priced for up to four teeth or for a full arch. A Cochrane systematic review of root coverage procedures concluded that a connective tissue graft with a coronally advanced flap can be used for single or multiple recessions, either alone or combined with another biomaterial, and that some evidence suggests certain graft substitutes may give similar outcomes. Results vary between patients, and your periodontist will not be able to promise a particular level of coverage.
Free gingival graft
Per tooth or implant, as listed on our fee page.
Root coverage surgery
For up to four teeth. The periodontal assessment is £175.
Registered clinic
Our website footer states that we are GDC registered and CQC registered.
Dental finance
0% finance over 12 months is available on eligible treatment, subject to status.
Open six days
Open 09:00 to 18:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and until 20:00 on Tuesday and Thursday.
From Maida Vale tube
A two minute walk from Maida Vale tube station, with ParkBee paid parking on Lanark Road.
Your first step is a periodontal assessment, listed on our fee page at £175. Your periodontist will look at your gum level, the thickness of the gum around the affected teeth, how you clean, and whether there are signs of gum disease. They will explain whether monitoring, a change of routine, bonding or a graft is the most sensible route for you, and what each would cost.
You are welcome to bring questions. Useful ones include which technique is planned, where the donor tissue would come from, what the fee includes, how many visits to expect and what the recovery will involve. If you would rather talk through the process first, there is also a free consultation with our treatment coordinator, though it is not a clinical assessment.
Gum graft surgery follows a similar pattern in most cases, although the details depend on the technique your periodontist recommends. Your gum health is put in order first. On the day, a local anaesthetic is used, the area is prepared, the graft or substitute material is placed and the gum is closed with stitches.
After surgery you will be given instructions for the first days and weeks. They usually cover how to clean the area without disturbing the graft, what to eat while it heals, and when to return for a review. If stitches need removing, the BSP notes that your dentist will do this. Follow the advice you are given closely, because the graft needs time and a clean, undisturbed site to settle. Contact us if you notice heavy bleeding, swelling that keeps increasing, or anything that worries you.
Healing time differs between people and procedures, and we cannot give a single figure.
Any surgery carries risks, and a gum graft is no exception. Your periodontist should go through them before you agree to treatment. Typical points to discuss include:
Smoking, poor plaque control and untreated gum disease can all work against healing, so we will talk about these before planning surgery. A graft treats the recession that has already happened. It does not stop whatever caused it, so brushing technique, gum health and, where relevant, tooth position or orthodontic treatment all matter for how the result holds up.
Our specialist services page says that Dr Quintal achieved her master's degree in periodontology in 2012 and manages our periodontal cases, including chronic gum disease and gum grafts. You can read more on our specialist services page, which also lists the other clinicians at the practice.
A periodontist is a dentist who focuses on the gums and the tissues that support teeth. If you would like to understand the wider service, our periodontist service covers assessments and the full range of gum care. For non surgical gum care, our periodontal treatment service covers that.
"Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe."
Emily Chmura, Google review
"Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I've ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time."
Joas Souza, Google review
"Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I've known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments. The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended."
Nelson Cafruni, Google review
No. Mild recession that is not changing may only need monitoring, gentler brushing technique and regular hygiene care. Desensitising treatment and bonding can help with sensitivity or appearance. A graft is considered when those steps have not been enough, or when the gum is too thin to protect the tooth.
Gum that has been lost does not grow back by itself. Better brushing and gum care can stop recession getting worse in many cases, and bonding can hide some of its effects, but only surgery can add gum tissue back. Your periodontist can say which applies to you after an assessment.
At Maida Smiles our fee page lists a free gingival graft from £1,800 per tooth or implant, and root coverage surgery from £2,200 for up to four teeth, or from £3,500 for a full arch. Your final fee depends on your assessment.
A free gingival graft adds a band of firm gum to an area that has too little, often to protect a tooth or an implant. Root coverage surgery aims to cover an exposed root with gum. Your periodontist will explain which suits your teeth.
Risks include bleeding, swelling, infection, a graft that does not take as hoped, gum that settles lower than planned, and healing at a second site if tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth. Smoking and poor plaque control can affect healing. Your periodontist will go through the risks with you before you decide.
Healing differs from person to person and between procedures, so we cannot give one timescale. You will be given written or spoken aftercare advice and a review plan.
A graft treats recession that has already happened, but it does not remove the cause. Brushing technique, gum disease, smoking and tooth position can all affect how the gum behaves afterwards. Regular check ups and hygiene visits help your periodontist keep an eye on the area.
See the sedation options if you feel anxious about treatment.
Find out what is included in a dental examination.
Call us if you have a problem that cannot wait.
Read how we help patients who feel nervous about the dentist.
Here is what our fee page lists for gum graft procedures. These are starting prices and the final fee depends on what your periodontist finds at assessment.
£175
from £1,800
from £2,200
from £3,500
The full list sits on our periodontal fee list. Please check it for the latest figures before you book.
If you would like to spread the cost, we offer 0% finance over 12 months on eligible treatment, arranged through dental finance. Finance is subject to status and a credit check. We also accept major dental insurers, so check your own policy to see whether surgical gum treatment is covered.
Maida Smiles is at 207 to 209 Sutherland Avenue, London W9 1RU, two minutes on foot from Maida Vale tube station. Paid parking is available through ParkBee on Lanark Road. Our website footer states that we are GDC registered and CQC registered.
Book a gum graft assessment in Maida Vale: call 020 3583 9809 or book online.
4,8
I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met
Adam
I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them
Gian Paolo Ziletti
Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.
Emily Chmura
Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.
Reena Nathwani
Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.
George Jones
I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!
Simone Gibson
Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.
Sofia Gouveia
Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!
Ana Cruz
Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.
Blossom
“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”
Denise Gilbert
I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.
Jihan Daoud
From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is
Tracy Mensah
I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.
Dawn Briggs
I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.
Russ Hickman
I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!
Mariana Pinheiro
Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.
Joas Souza
Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”
Nelson Cafruni
I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start
Diogo
I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since
Theresa
"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."
Louca
"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."
Sharon
Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.
Soula
I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.
Alvin
"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."
Lesley
"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".
Mariana
I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference
Carolina
I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!
Safiya Guled
I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.
John Jacobs
Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough
Bel Cohn
I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.
Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.
He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.
Karen Shepherd
I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.
Maria Monteiro
