Gum Grafting in Agoura Hills
Brushing shouldn't make you wince, and a sip of cold water shouldn't send a jolt through a tooth. Yet for many adults, that's daily life once the gums begin to pull back. Teeth can look longer than they used to, sensitivity creeps in, and the root surfaces that were once protected are left exposed. If you live in Agoura Hills and have noticed these changes, our team at 805 Dentistry can help you understand what is happening and whether gum grafting is the right way to restore that protective tissue.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that adds healthy tissue to areas where the gums have receded. Gums act as a seal around each tooth. When that seal thins or wears away, the root surface beneath can become exposed. A graft rebuilds the gumline so the root is covered and supported again.
At our office, gum grafting is performed as part of our periodontal care, and we have a board-certified periodontist on staff. Our periodontal services also include periodontal regeneration, cosmetic gum contouring, crown lengthening, dental implants, and implant maintenance. That range means we can look at your gums in the context of your whole mouth rather than treating one area in isolation. You don't need a referral to schedule a periodontal visit with us.
Patients from Agoura Hills often come to us with a few common concerns. The first is sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods, because exposed roots lack the protective covering the rest of the tooth has. Others notice that their smile looks uneven, with some teeth appearing longer than their neighbors.
A gum graft is designed to address these concerns by restoring tissue where it has been lost. Potential benefits include:
- Covering exposed root surfaces so they are better protected
- Helping reduce sensitivity tied to receded gums
- Supporting a more even gumline for a balanced smile
- Strengthening the gum tissue around affected teeth
- Coordinated care with our other periodontal and restorative services when needed
Because we are a one-stop practice for the whole family, we can also help with related needs, such as gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance, all under one roof.
Am I a good candidate for gum grafting?
You may be a candidate if you have gum recession that is causing sensitivity, exposing root surfaces, or affecting the look of your smile. The only way to know for sure is a thorough evaluation, which is where every gum grafting conversation starts at our office.
During that visit, we examine your gums, measure the areas of recession, and review your overall oral health. Gum recession can be connected to other concerns, such as gum disease, so we look carefully at the bigger picture. If active gum disease is present, we may recommend treating it first so that your gums are in the best possible condition. Our 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, helps us see what is happening beneath the surface when more detail is needed.
What happens during the procedure and recovery?
Your periodontist places new tissue along the receded area to rebuild the gumline, and you go home to heal with clear instructions from our team. Before anything begins, we walk you through your specific plan so you know exactly what to expect on the day of treatment.
We know that dental procedures can make people nervous. That's why we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer several comfort options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll talk through which option suits you and your procedure.
After your graft, aftercare matters. We'll give you guidance on eating, brushing around the treated area, and caring for the site as it heals. Follow-up visits let us check your progress. Over the long term, consistent home care and regular periodontal maintenance help protect your results and the health of the surrounding gums.
How can I pay for gum grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. For periodontal treatment, we file insurance claims as a specialist. Our team can help you understand how your benefits apply before you commit to treatment.
If you'd like to spread out the cost, financing is available. We believe cost questions deserve straight answers, so we'll review your options openly during your consultation. Our Thousand Oaks office proudly serves Agoura Hills along with neighboring communities such as Westlake Village, Oak Park, and Calabasas. When you're ready to talk about your gums, we're here to listen and guide you toward a healthier, more comfortable smile.