At RegenPerio, we provide advanced gum grafting and soft tissue phenotype modification for patients with receding gums, thin gum tissue, root sensitivity, or esthetic concerns around natural teeth and dental implants. Our care is led by Dr. Mehdi Oonchi, a dentist with advanced graduate training in periodontology and implant surgery at the University of British Columbia, offering specialty-focused gum recession treatment in West Vancouver for patients across the North Shore and the Lower Mainland.

Gum grafting — also known as soft tissue grafting or gingival grafting — is a periodontal procedure that restores lost or thin gum tissue around teeth and dental implants. Gum recession exposes the tooth root, which can lead to sensitivity, root cavities, an aging or "long-tooth" appearance, and progressive loss of the supporting tissues.

Gum grafting can:

• Cover exposed roots and reduce sensitivity
• Rebuild thick, healthy, keratinized gum tissue
• Protect teeth and implants from further recession
• Restore a natural, youthful gumline and smile
• Improve long-term periodontal and peri-implant health

Every patient's gum tissue has a natural thickness and quality, known as the periodontal phenotype. Patients with a thin gingival phenotype are more vulnerable to recession, inflammation, bone loss, and complications around dental implants and orthodontic treatment.

Phenotype modification therapy is a modern, evidence-based approach that surgically converts thin, fragile tissue into a thicker, more resilient tissue type. By augmenting both the quality and quantity of the gums, we create a stable foundation that protects teeth and implants for the long term. This is especially valuable:

• Before or during orthodontic treatment (including Invisalign), where tooth movement can trigger recession in thin tissue
• Around dental implants, where adequate soft tissue thickness and keratinized tissue are critical for long-term peri-implant health
• For patients with a family history or early signs of gum recession

Dr. Oonchi's ongoing graduate specialty training in periodontics at UBC includes advanced, minimally invasive soft tissue surgery. Depending on your anatomy and goals, treatment may include:

Connective Tissue Grafting (CTG)The gold standard for root coverage — a thin layer of your own tissue is placed beneath the gumline to cover exposed roots and thicken the tissue, with highly esthetic, natural-looking results.

Coronally Advanced Flap & Tunnel Techniques Modern, minimally invasive microsurgical approaches that reposition and augment the gums with less discomfort, fewer incisions, and faster healing.

Free Gingival Grafting (FGG)Used to rebuild a strong band of keratinized (firm, protective) tissue around teeth and implants where it is missing — essential for comfortable brushing and long-term stability.

Soft Tissue Grafting Around Dental Implants Specialized augmentation to correct thin or deficient tissue around implants, improve esthetics, and help prevent peri-implant disease.

We understand that gum surgery can sound intimidating. RegenPerio offers IV sedation dentistry for eligible patients, so you can remain deeply relaxed and comfortable throughout your grafting procedure — often with little or no memory of the appointment afterward. Combined with gentle microsurgical techniques, most patients are surprised by how smooth their experience and recovery are.

• Specialty-focused soft tissue surgery rooted in periodontology
• Advanced graduate training at the University of British Columbia and ongoing continued education in periodontal plastic surgery
• Modern, minimally invasive microsurgical and tunnel techniques
• Experience with complex cases: multiple recession sites, thin phenotypes, and grafting around implants
• IV sedation available for anxiety-free, comfortable treatment
• Personalized treatment planning based on your tissue biology — never a "one-size-fits-all" approach
• Conveniently located in West Vancouver, serving North Vancouver, Vancouver, and the entire Lower Mainland

Our philosophy is biologic and tissue-focused: we don't just cover recession, we transform vulnerable tissue into a healthy, stable phenotype that lasts.

If you have noticed receding gums, sensitive teeth, or have been told you have thin gum tissue before orthodontics or implant treatment, early intervention delivers the best results. Contact RegenPerio in West Vancouver today to schedule a comprehensive soft tissue evaluation and learn whether gum grafting or phenotype modification is right for you.