Soft tissue grafting is a specialized dental procedure often used to treat gum recession, improve aesthetics, and protect the roots of teeth. While this treatment is essential for restoring oral health, it can cause anxiety for patients who are uneasy about surgery or concerned about discomfort. At McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, we offer dental sedation options to ensure that soft tissue grafting is not only successfulbut also as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
In this blog, well explain what soft tissue grafting involves, how sedation dentistry can ease the experience, and what patients can expect before, during, and after treatment.
What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting is a periodontal procedure where healthy gum tissueoften taken from the roof of the mouth or a donor sourceis placed over areas of gum recession. This graft helps:
Cover exposed tooth roots
Prevent further gum loss
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Improve the appearance of the gumline
Protect long-term oral health
Its a highly effective treatment, but because it involves surgical steps, it can trigger fear or stress in patientsespecially those with dental anxiety or a history of negative experiences.
Why Sedation Can Help with Gum Graft Procedures
Soft tissue grafting typically requires local anesthesia, but dental sedation offers additional emotional and physical comfort, particularly for patients who:
Experience high levels of dental anxiety or phobia
Have had traumatic past dental or surgical experiences
Are sensitive to sounds, sensations, or prolonged treatment times
Need multiple grafts in one session
Want to feel more relaxed and detached during the process
Sedation helps reduce tension, limits the awareness of time, and allows the dental team to work efficiently while the patient remains calm and cooperative.
Types of Dental Sedation Used for Soft Tissue Grafting
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we offer several levels of sedation tailored to your comfort and needs:
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Provides mild relaxation
Inhaled through a nosepiece
Wears off quickly after the procedure
Ideal for patients with mild anxiety or those undergoing minor grafts
2. Oral Sedation
Taken in pill form before the procedure
Induces deeper relaxation while you remain conscious
May cause drowsiness or limited memory of the procedure
Good option for patients with moderate anxiety or multiple-site grafting
3. IV Sedation (Available by Arrangement)
Administered intravenously for immediate, controlled sedation
Offers the deepest level of conscious sedation
Ideal for complex cases or patients with severe dental phobia
Requires a responsible adult to accompany the patient home
All sedation options are used in conjunction with local anesthetic to ensure that the surgical site is completely numb and pain-free throughout the procedure.
What to Expect When Sedation Is Part of Your Graft Procedure
We begin with a personalized consultation to assess your medical history, anxiety level, and treatment needs. Based on this evaluation, we recommend the safest and most effective sedation method.
Heres how your appointment may be structured:
Pre-procedure Preparation
Instructions on fasting, medications, and transportation (for oral/IV sedation)
Explanation of what to expect during and after treatment
During the Procedure
Sedation is administered and monitored
Local anesthetic is applied
The grafting is completed with minimal awareness or discomfort
Aftercare
Post-sedation recovery monitoring (as needed)
Easy-to-follow instructions for healing and medication
Follow-up visits to track healing and graft success
Benefits of Using Sedation for Soft Tissue Grafting
Enhanced comfort and calmness
Reduced physical and emotional stress
Minimal awareness of surgical steps
Improved treatment efficiency and precision
Positive reinforcement for future dental care
Patients who opt for sedation during soft tissue grafting often report that the procedure felt shorter, easier, and less intimidating than they expected.