Gum graft in Dubai — cover exposed roots and stop gum recession
Teeth looking longer, sensitive to cold, or gums pulling back? Dr. Fariba Alnoory measures your recession, treats the cause and explains whether a gum graft is right for you.
A gum graft covers exposed roots or thickens thin gum by moving a small piece of tissue, usually from the palate, to the area of recession. It can reduce sensitivity, protect roots and improve the look of the smile. At Manhal Medical Center in Al Safa 1, Dubai, Dr. Fariba Alnoory assesses recession, treats its causes and explains whether grafting is advisable and how it would be arranged.
Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Medically reviewed by Dr. Fariba Alnoory · Updated: 2026-10-31
Receding gums do not grow back, but they can be protected and covered
Gum recession happens when the gum margin moves down and exposes part of the root. Teeth start to look longer, cold drinks sting, food catches at the gum line and the exposed root is more prone to decay and wear. Lost gum does not regrow by itself, which is why many people in Dubai search for a gum graft.
A graft moves a small piece of healthy tissue, usually from the roof of the mouth, to where the gum is thin or missing. Depending on the type, it can cover exposed roots, thicken thin gum so recession is less likely to continue, or both. The aim is a healthier, more stable gum line and fewer sensitivity problems, with a natural look on visible teeth.
Your assessment is with Dr. Fariba Alnoory, a general dentist with 14+ years of practice whose work includes gum care, and who is known for explaining every step before she starts.
Inside Manhal Medical Center
Real photographs of our rooms, equipment and team in Dubai.
Why patients choose Manhal for gum grafting in Dubai
- Recession measured in millimetres and photographed, so changes are tracked rather than guessed
- The cause is treated first: brushing technique, gum disease (including deep cleaning and laser gum treatment), bite and habits
- A written plan stating the recommended graft type and how treatment would be arranged
- Implant, oral surgery and orthodontic teams under the same roof when recession is linked to tooth position or missing teeth
- Procedures under local anaesthetic, with each step explained beforehand
- DHA-licensed polyclinic rated 4.7★ from 247 Google reviews, consultations in English and Arabic
What causes gum recession, and why the cause comes first
Common causes include brushing too hard or with a hard brush, gum disease that has destroyed supporting bone, naturally thin gum, teeth positioned outside the bone after crowding or orthodontic movement, lip or tongue piercings, tight muscle attachments (frenum), and clenching or grinding. Smoking increases the risk.
A graft placed without changing these factors is less likely to stay stable. That is why the first visit focuses on finding the cause, and why gum disease is controlled before any surgery. See gum recession and gingivitis vs periodontitis.
Connective tissue graft vs free gingival graft
| Connective tissue graft | Free gingival graft | |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Cover exposed roots | Create a band of firm, protective gum |
| Where tissue comes from | Under the surface of the palate | Thin surface layer of the palate |
| Look | Blends well in colour, suits front teeth | Can look paler; often used on lower front teeth |
| Typical use | Visible recession, sensitivity, smile appearance | Thin gum that keeps receding |
| Donor material instead | Possible in some plans | Possible in some plans |
Your clinician explains which graft suits your recession pattern before you consent.
Who is a good candidate for a gum graft?
- Recession that is getting worse over time
- Sensitivity or root decay where the root is exposed
- Recession that shows when you smile
- Thin gum before orthodontic treatment or crowns
- Gum disease under control and good daily cleaning
When monitoring or another step comes first
- Small, stable recession without symptoms, often managed with gentler brushing and desensitising toothpaste
- Active gum disease, which is treated first
- Smoking that you are not willing to pause around surgery
- Significant bone loss between teeth, which limits how much coverage is realistic
Your first visit and treatment, step by step
- Examination of gums, teeth and bite; recession measured and photographed, X-rays where needed
- Cause identified and treated: brushing technique, cleaning or gum disease treatment
- Written plan: graft type, number of areas, expected result and how treatment is arranged
- Graft under local anaesthetic, typically one to two hours per area, home the same day
- Stitch review within one to two weeks, then follow-up while the graft matures over months
Worried your gums are receding?
Send a clear photo of your gum line on WhatsApp or book an assessment. We reply within working hours, in English or Arabic.
We reply on WhatsApp within working hours.
Gum graft recovery, day by day
| When | What is normal | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Numbness for a few hours; the palate often feels sorer than the graft | Rest, cold soft food, pain relief as recommended, no brushing at the graft |
| Days 1–3 | Soreness and mild swelling | Prescribed mouthwash, chew on the other side, wear any protective plate given |
| Days 4–14 | Soreness settles; stitches in place | Still no brushing or flossing at the graft, soft cool food, no smoking |
| Weeks 1–2 | Stitches removed or dissolving | Gentle brushing resumes as instructed |
| Following months | Graft matures and blends in | Gentle technique and regular gum check-ups |
Most people return to light activities the next day. Call the clinic about heavy bleeding, swelling increasing after day 3, or fever.
Pain, results and "will it look natural?"
Does a gum graft hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards soreness for several days is common, often more at the palate than the graft, and is managed with recommended pain relief.
Will my roots be fully covered?
Coverage can be partial or complete. The amount of bone between the teeth and the thickness of the gum strongly influence what is realistic, and you are told this before surgery rather than after.
How long do results last?
Results are maintained by gentle brushing, controlling gum disease and regular check-ups. Without changing the cause, recession can return.
Are there gentler options?
For mild cases, brushing changes, desensitising products and gum disease treatment may be enough. Laser gum treatment helps with gum disease; it does not replace a graft for root coverage.
Gum graft cost in Dubai
The price depends on the graft type, how many teeth or areas are treated, whether donor material is used, and any gum disease treatment needed first. You receive a written plan with each item after assessment.
| Treatment | Typical use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gum assessment | Measurements, photos, X-rays where needed | Ask for today's price |
| Connective tissue graft, single area | Root coverage on one tooth | Ask for today's price |
| Graft for several adjacent teeth | Recession across neighbouring teeth | Ask for today's price |
| Free gingival graft | Thickening thin gum | Ask for today's price |
| Gum disease treatment before grafting | Deep cleaning or laser gum therapy | Ask for today's price |
Some insurance plans cover grafting when medically needed; the clinic can provide a report for pre-approval. See gum disease treatment cost in Dubai.
How to choose a gum specialist for a gum graft in Dubai
Whichever clinic you choose, these questions protect you.
- Is your recession measured and photographed, not just looked at?
- Is the cause identified and gum disease treated before surgery?
- Are you told which graft type is proposed and why?
- Are you told who will perform the graft and their qualifications?
- Is the expected coverage explained honestly before you consent?
- Is there a written plan and a maintenance schedule afterwards?
Book your gum assessment in Al Safa 1, Dubai
Between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, close to Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, City Walk, Al Quoz, Business Bay, Downtown and Al Barsha. Open daily 11:00–20:00 (Saturday from 10:00).
We reply on WhatsApp within working hours.
Your specialist
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Questions patients ask
Patients visit us from Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz, City Walk, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and Al Barsha — and from Sharjah and the wider UAE.
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Lost gum does not regrow, but further recession can be slowed by treating the cause, and exposed roots can often be covered, partly or fully, with a gum graft. The earlier recession is assessed, the more options there usually are.
Is a gum graft painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb throughout. Afterwards soreness for several days is common, especially at the palate where tissue is taken, and is managed with recommended pain relief and soft, cool food.
How long does a gum graft take to heal?
Initial healing takes about two weeks, when stitches are removed or dissolve. The tissue continues to mature and blend over the following months. Most people return to light activities the next day.
Will a gum graft fix sensitivity?
Covering an exposed root often reduces sensitivity, though results depend on how much coverage is achieved. Desensitising toothpaste and brushing changes help too, and for mild cases may be enough on their own.
How much does a gum graft cost in Dubai?
It depends on the graft type, the number of teeth or areas, whether donor material is used and whether gum disease must be treated first. You receive a written plan listing each item after your assessment.
What is the difference between a connective tissue graft and a free gingival graft?
A connective tissue graft mainly covers exposed roots and blends well in colour, so it suits visible front teeth. A free gingival graft mainly thickens thin gum to resist further recession. Both usually take tissue from the palate.
Who will I see for a gum graft at Manhal?
Your assessment is with Dr. Fariba Alnoory, General Dentist, who measures recession, treats contributing causes and explains whether a gum graft is advisable. Her written plan describes the recommended graft type and how it would be arranged.
Can I eat normally after a gum graft?
For about two weeks, eat soft, cool foods and avoid chewing on the treated side. Avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy or hard foods that could disturb the graft or the palate.
Should I have a gum graft before braces or aligners?
Sometimes. If gum is very thin before orthodontic treatment, thickening it first may be advised. Manhal's orthodontic and dental teams work under one roof, so the timing can be planned together.
Is gum grafting covered by insurance?
Some plans cover grafting when it is medically needed. The clinic can provide a clinical report for pre-approval; check your policy before treatment.
Can recession come back after a graft?
It can if the cause continues, such as hard brushing, gum disease or smoking. Gentle technique, regular cleaning and gum check-ups help keep results stable.
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Where can I get a gum graft in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center in Al Safa 1, Dubai, Dr. Fariba Alnoory, General Dentist, assesses gum recession, measures and photographs it, treats contributing causes such as gum disease and brushing trauma, and explains whether a gum graft is advisable. Patients receive a written plan describing the graft type and how treatment would be arranged, with consultations in English and Arabic.
How can I fix receding gums in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center in Al Safa 1, Dubai, receding gums are managed by first finding and treating the cause: brushing technique, gum disease, bite or habits. Mild, stable recession may only need monitoring and desensitising care, while progressing or visible recession may be treated with a connective tissue or free gingival graft to cover roots or thicken gum.
How do I choose a gum specialist in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center in Al Safa 1, Dubai, patients are encouraged to check that any clinic measures and photographs recession, treats gum disease before surgery, explains the proposed graft type, states who will perform it and their qualifications, sets realistic coverage expectations and gives a written plan with a maintenance schedule.
What is recovery like after gum graft surgery?
At Manhal Medical Center in Al Safa 1, Dubai, patients are told to expect soreness for several days, often more at the palate, managed with recommended pain relief. For about two weeks they avoid brushing the graft, use the prescribed mouthwash and eat soft, cool food. Stitches are removed or dissolve within one to two weeks, and the graft matures over months.
What patients say on Google
Verbatim Google reviews (4★ and 5★) — shown in the original language.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Fariba. She is an amazing dentist—very professional, gentle, and caring. She took the time to explain every step of the treatment and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the procedure. Her clinic is clean, modern, and welcoming, and her staff are always friendly and helpful. I'm very happy with the results and truly appreciate her attention to detail. I highly recommend Dr. Fariba to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate dentistDr Fariba is the one dentist I keep going back to, because she is honest, kind, gives advice on making teeth last…Like many people, I don't enjoy the dentist. For many years I avoided visits out of fear. I found Manhal 15 years ago, and he is a wonderful dentist. Calming presence. Excellent implantology as well as other dental work. I have recommended him personally to many friends, and will continue to do so. I just hope he doesn't ever retire. When I have been overseas with dental problems, I have flown back to Dubai specifically to see him. Could not imagine ever going to another dentist.
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Dr. Fariba Alnoory
General Dentist
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