In a free gingival graft, a small strip of flesh is removed from the roof of the mouth. The tissue, called the "graft," is then stitched to the existing gum tissue in the area being treated. This is often used for people who naturally have minimal amounts of gum tissue around their teeth and need to have them enlarged.

In a connective-tissue graft, a flap is cut in the roof of the mouth, forming a "trap door." The tissue under the flap is removed. The flap is then stitched over the area. The tissue that was removed, known as subepithelial connective tissue, is then slipped under the gum tissue surrounding an exposed root surface and anchored in place with sutures. This is the most commonly used procedure for treating root exposure.

In a pedicle graft, a flap of tissue from around an adjacent tooth is partially cut away with one edge still attached. The flap, also called a pedicle, is then slid sideways to cover the exposed root, and is stitched in place. A pedicle graft can be more successful than a free gingival graft because at least some of the blood vessels that feed the grafted section remain in place. However, a pedicle graft can be done only if an adjacent tooth has enough gum tissue to "share" with the tooth being treated.

With all of these procedures, many periodontists will use periodontal packing to cover and protect the grafted tissue for the first week or two of healing.