Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that adds tissue to areas where the gums have receded. The graft covers exposed root surfaces and reinforces thin or weakened gum tissue. Depending on the situation, tissue may come from another area of your mouth, such as the roof of the mouth, or from other graft sources. Your periodontist will explain which approach makes sense for you and why. The goal is the same in each case: to give the tooth a stable band of healthy gum tissue around it again.

The procedure helps a wide range of people. Some patients have recession linked to past gum disease. Others have naturally thin gum tissue, a history of aggressive brushing, or recession that developed after orthodontic tooth movement. You might notice it yourself, or we might spot it during a routine exam. Common signs include:

• Teeth that look longer than they used to
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods near the gumline
• A visible notch or ridge where the tooth meets the gum
• Gums that look uneven across your smile
• Roots that appear darker or yellower than the rest of the tooth

The first step is a thorough periodontal evaluation. We measure the gum tissue, check how much root is exposed, and look for any active gum disease. If inflammation or infection is present, we usually treat that first, often with scaling and root planing, so the graft is placed into a healthy environment. When we need a clearer look at the bone supporting your teeth, our office can provide 2D and 3D imaging, including CBCT scans.

We also talk through what may have caused the recession in the first place. Grafting adds tissue back, but lasting results depend on addressing the cause, whether that's brushing technique, clenching habits, or ongoing gum health. Some patients need grafting on one tooth. Others have recession across several teeth and benefit from treating them in a planned sequence. Because our periodontics team also offers periodontal regeneration, crown lengthening, cosmetic gum contouring, and dental implants, we can look at the bigger picture of your gum health instead of a single spot.

What is recovery like after a gum graft?

Healing typically takes a few weeks, and following your aftercare instructions closely makes a real difference. We'll send you home with clear guidance, which usually covers eating softer foods, avoiding brushing or flossing directly on the graft site until we say it's time, and steering clear of habits that could disturb the healing tissue.

Follow-up visits let us check how the graft is settling in. Over time, continued care such as periodontal maintenance visits and good daily habits help protect the tissue we've restored. We'll show you gentle brushing techniques to protect your gumline and keep the rest of your smile healthy.

Do I need a referral to schedule a consultation?

No. Our periodontics team accepts patients without a referral, so you can call us directly if you've noticed receding gums or sensitive roots. We see patients from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, and nearby communities across the 805 and beyond.

If your gums have started to pull back, or you simply want a professional opinion, we'd love to take a closer look. Reach out to our office to schedule a periodontal evaluation, and we'll help you understand your options with patience and care.