When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both trauma and bacterial penetration. When recession is a problem gum reconstruction techniques are an option. When there is only minor recession, treatment generally consists of modification of one's home care practices. However, in more severe cases the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost and often leads to root sensitivity. A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth or an adjacent site to naturally reconstruct the lost gingiva. In many cases, Alloderm or dermis (donor tissue ) can be used as a substitute avoiding the need to harvest one's own tissue.