Gum Grafting in West Hills
Receding gums tend to announce themselves quietly. A sip of iced coffee suddenly stings, a tooth looks a little longer than it used to, or you notice a notch near the gumline when you brush. These small changes matter because gum tissue protects the roots of your teeth, and once it pulls back, it does not grow back on its own. For patients in West Hills who are noticing these signs, our team at 805 Dentistry offers gum grafting through our periodontics office, where a board-certified periodontist is on staff and no referral is needed to schedule a visit.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that restores tissue where the gums have receded. Our periodontist places healthy tissue over the exposed area so the root is covered again and the gumline is rebuilt. Depending on your needs, that 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 situation before anything begins.
The goal is both protective and practical. Exposed roots lack the hard enamel that covers the rest of the tooth, so they can be more vulnerable to sensitivity and wear. Restoring the gum tissue gives those areas back a natural layer of protection. Because our practice also offers periodontal regeneration, cosmetic gum contouring, and crown lengthening, we can look at your gum health as a whole rather than treating one spot in isolation.
Patients from West Hills come to us for gum grafting for several different reasons, and understanding yours helps us plan the right care. Some of the most common situations include:
- Sensitivity at the gumline when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet
- Recession linked to gum disease, often found alongside treatment like scaling and root planing
- Cosmetic concerns, such as teeth that look uneven or longer than they should
- Planning for other treatment, where healthy gum tissue supports future restorative or implant work
Each of these calls for a slightly different conversation. Someone dealing with sensitivity may mainly want comfort, while someone focused on appearance may also be interested in gum contouring for a more balanced smile. When gum disease is part of the picture, we often address the underlying infection first and then discuss grafting. Our periodontics team also places dental implants and provides implant maintenance, so patients considering tooth replacement can have their gum health evaluated as part of that larger plan.
Am I a good candidate for gum grafting?
You may be a good candidate if you have visible gum recession, exposed roots, or sensitivity near the gumline, but the only way to know for sure is an exam. During your visit, our periodontist evaluates how much tissue has been lost, the overall health of your gums, and whether any active gum disease needs attention first.
We take the time to talk through your concerns, your goals, and any questions you have. If gum grafting is not the right fit right now, we will explain why and discuss other options. Because our periodontics office accepts patients without a referral, West Hills residents can reach out directly rather than waiting on another office to send them over.
What happens during and after the procedure?
The procedure is performed in our office after we review your treatment plan, prepare the area, and make sure you are comfortable. If dental visits make you anxious, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer options including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, so we can talk through what level of comfort support suits you.
Aftercare plays an important role in healing. We will give you clear instructions tailored to your procedure, which typically cover what to eat, how to keep the area clean, and what activities to avoid while the tissue heals. Follow-up visits let us check your progress. Over the long term, regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance help protect your results and keep your gums healthy.
How can I pay for gum grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing to help make treatment more manageable. Our periodontics office files claims as a specialist, and our team can help you understand how your plan applies before you commit to treatment.
We believe cost should never be a mystery. Once we have examined your gums and recommended a plan, we will walk you through your options so you can make a confident decision. For West Hills families, having periodontal care, general dentistry, and sedation services all within one practice means fewer offices to coordinate and a team that already knows your history. When you are ready, contact our office to schedule a gum evaluation.