Treatment Overview
Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) in Korea is the gold-standard microsurgical treatment for receding gums. It involves transplanting a thin layer of connective tissue—typically taken from beneath the patient’s palate—to thicken and regenerate the gum around exposed tooth roots.
This procedure is widely recognized for its high success rate, long-term stability, and natural-looking results. Korean periodontists combine CTG with laser-assisted healing, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) therapy, and AI-guided digital mapping to maximize comfort and precision while minimizing invasiveness.
The outcome is thicker, stronger, and healthier gums that restore natural coverage over tooth roots, eliminate sensitivity, and enhance smile aesthetics.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Restore lost gum tissue caused by recession or brushing trauma.
- Cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further recession.
- Strengthen gum tissue and improve attachment around teeth.
- Reduce tooth sensitivity and root exposure.
- Restore a healthy, balanced gum line for aesthetic improvement.
Benefits
- Natural Tissue Integration: Uses the patient’s own tissue for optimal biocompatibility.
- Permanent Root Coverage: Provides long-lasting gum regeneration.
- Thicker Gums: Reinforces thin tissue prone to future recession.
- Microsurgical Comfort: Minimal scarring and faster recovery.
- PRF-Assisted Healing: Accelerates tissue growth and reduces inflammation.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Creates a natural gum contour that blends seamlessly.
Ideal Candidates
Connective Tissue Graft is ideal for:
- Patients with localized or multiple gum recession sites.
- Individuals with tooth sensitivity due to exposed roots.
- Those with thin or fragile gum tissue around teeth.
- Patients seeking a biologically natural, long-term solution.
- Individuals concerned with aesthetic improvement in visible areas.
Possible Risks & Complications
CTG is a safe and predictable procedure when performed by experienced Korean periodontists. Minor temporary effects may include:
- Mild discomfort or tenderness at the donor site (2–4 days).
- Slight swelling or tightness during healing.
- Temporary numbness in the grafted area.
Modern Korean clinics reduce risks using microsurgical techniques, ozone sterilization, and PRF-based biologic regeneration, ensuring smooth recovery and minimal trauma.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Subepithelial Connective Tissue Harvesting: Tissue gently collected from the palate using micro-incision.
- Tunnel or Flap Technique: Gum lifted slightly to insert graft beneath.
- PRF Integration: Platelet-rich fibrin promotes faster vascularization and healing.
- Laser Biostimulation: Stimulates collagen formation and cellular growth.
- AI Periodontal Mapping: Ensures precise graft placement and contour.
- Microsurgical Suturing: Minimizes scarring and ensures aesthetic gum alignment.
These techniques ensure natural tissue bonding, quick healing, and superior aesthetic outcomes.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Digital Periodontal Assessment: AI 3D imaging measures gum thickness and recession depth.
- Local Anesthesia: Ensures painless treatment experience.
- Donor Tissue Harvesting: Small strip of connective tissue taken from under the palate.
- Recipient Site Preparation: Gum gently lifted to create a pocket or tunnel.
- Graft Placement: Connective tissue positioned over exposed roots.
- PRF & Laser Therapy: Enhances healing and reduces swelling.
- Microsurgical Suturing: Graft secured for natural contour and stability.
- AI Monitoring: Post-procedure scans track integration and regeneration.
Recovery & Aftercare
Aftercare Guidelines
- Avoid brushing or disturbing graft area for 7–10 days.
- Use chlorhexidine or saline rinses as prescribed.
- Eat soft, cool foods and avoid spicy or hard textures.
- Refrain from smoking and alcohol during healing.
- Attend follow-up visits for professional cleaning and healing assessment.
Recovery Timeline
- 1–3 Days: Mild tenderness and swelling subside.
- 1–2 Weeks: Donor and graft sites begin to heal fully.
- 4–6 Weeks: Graft stabilizes, and new tissue blends naturally.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Fully covered roots and restored gum contour.
- Thicker, more resilient gum tissue.
- Decreased sensitivity and improved comfort.
- Enhanced smile harmony and long-term periodontal stability.
Longevity
Results are long-lasting (15–25 years) with proper oral hygiene and maintenance.
Korean periodontal centers report 98–99% success rates for graft integration and coverage retention.
Routine professional cleanings and laser maintenance are recommended every 6–12 months.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Microsurgical Expertise: Korean periodontists are global leaders in soft-tissue grafting.
- AI Precision Planning: Ensures accurate graft placement and symmetry.
- Biologic Integration: PRF and laser enhance natural healing and comfort.
- Aesthetic Focus: Achieves seamless gum color and texture blending.
- Affordable Excellence: 40–60% lower cost than Western clinics.
- International Support: Multilingual dental teams cater to global patients.
Korea’s combination of AI-assisted microsurgery, biologic tissue enhancement, and aesthetic precision has made it a global hub for advanced gum grafting treatments.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- PRF + Connective Tissue Synergy
- AI 3D Gum Thickness Mapping
- Microsurgical Tunnel Technique
- Laser Biophotonic Healing
- Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
- Oxygen-Ozone Gum Sterilization
- CAD/CAM Gum Contour Simulation
- AI Healing Analytics
These innovations ensure natural, stable, and biologically integrated gum regeneration.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Tooth Connective Tissue Graft | ₩900,000 – ₩1,300,000 | $670 – $970 | Autogenous graft + PRF + laser healing |
| Multi-Site CTG (2–4 Teeth) | ₩1,800,000 – ₩2,800,000 | $1,330 – $2,070 | PRF + laser biostimulation + AI mapping |
| Full-Arch Regenerative CTG Program | ₩3,200,000 – ₩4,800,000 | $2,370 – $3,550 | PRF + laser + microsurgical tunneling + AI healing tracking |
Popular Clinics
- Seoul National University Dental Hospital (Periodontics Department): Renowned for advanced CTG microsurgery and biologic integration.
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital (Soft Tissue Unit): Leaders in PRF-assisted connective tissue grafting.
- Samsung Medical Dental Center: Pioneers in AI-guided tunnel grafting techniques.
- Asan Medical Center (Regenerative Dentistry Division): Specialists in dual-tissue (gum and bone) regeneration.
- JK Biologic Dental & Periodontal Clinic (Gangnam): Internationally acclaimed for aesthetic microsurgery and natural gum restoration.
