Gum Grafting in Oxnard
Gums do quiet, constant work. They hold your teeth in place, cover sensitive root surfaces, and help keep bacteria away from the bone underneath. When gum tissue begins to pull back, you might notice it first as a twinge while sipping cold water or as a tooth that suddenly looks longer in the mirror. For patients in Oxnard and throughout Ventura County, our team at 805 Dentistry offers gum grafting to help restore that protective tissue, with care led in part by a board-certified periodontist on our staff.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that adds healthy tissue to areas where the gums have receded. Our periodontist places tissue over exposed roots or thin gum areas so the tooth has a more stable, protective covering again. Depending on your situation, the tissue may come from another area of your mouth, such as the palate, or from another suitable source. We will explain which approach fits your needs.
Recession can happen gradually, which is why many people don't notice it until symptoms appear. Gum disease, aggressive brushing, grinding, and the natural position of certain teeth can all play a role. Grafting addresses the tissue loss itself, and we look at the underlying causes so we can plan the rest of your care.
Oxnard patients come to us with a range of reasons. Some have sensitivity along the gumline that makes hot or cold foods uncomfortable. Others have been told by a previous dentist that their gums are thinning around a specific tooth. Some are bothered by how their smile looks when roots show.
Grafting can also be part of a broader plan. Because our periodontics team also offers periodontal regeneration, scaling and root planing, gum disease treatment, and dental implants, we can coordinate grafting with other treatment when that makes sense. Common goals include:
- Covering exposed roots that feel sensitive
- Adding thickness to thin, fragile gum tissue
- Improving the appearance of uneven or receding gumlines
- Supporting the area around teeth or implants as part of a larger treatment plan
Am I a good candidate for gum grafting?
The best way to know is a periodontal evaluation in our office. During that visit, we examine your gums, measure the areas of recession, and review your overall oral health to determine whether grafting is appropriate or whether another treatment should come first.
For example, if active gum disease is present, we typically address that infection before grafting. Patients who grind their teeth may need protection, such as a night guard, so the cause of recession doesn't continue. Our periodontics team accepts patients without a referral, so you can contact us directly from Oxnard rather than waiting on another office.
What happens during the procedure, and does it hurt?
We use local anesthetic so the treatment area is numb during the procedure, and we offer additional comfort options for patients who want them. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist provides nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, which can be especially helpful for patients with dental anxiety.
On the day of treatment, our periodontist prepares the site, positions the graft tissue, and secures it so it can heal in place. We walk you through each step beforehand so nothing feels unexpected. Before you head home to Oxnard, we review your instructions and answer any remaining questions.
How do I care for my gums after a graft?
Careful aftercare matters, and we give you personalized instructions before you leave. In general, that includes guidance on what to eat, how to keep the area clean without disturbing the graft, and which activities to pause for a while.
We schedule follow-up visits to check how the area is healing. Long term, regular cleanings, gentle brushing habits, and periodontal maintenance help protect your results. If you have concerns between appointments, call our office. We also offer emergency dental appointments when something can't wait.
How can I pay for gum grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our periodontics team files claims as a specialist. Coverage depends on your individual plan, so we're glad to help you understand your benefits before treatment.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost. During your consultation, we review your treatment plan and discuss payment options openly so you can make a confident decision. Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, our practice aims to be a one-stop home for the whole family's dental care, and we look forward to helping Oxnard patients protect their gums.