Gum Grafting in Newbury Park
A tooth that suddenly looks longer than its neighbors, or a twinge of sensitivity when cold water hits the gumline, is often the first sign that gum tissue has pulled back. Gum recession exposes part of the root that the gums normally protect, and it tends to progress quietly. For Newbury Park patients who notice these changes, our team at 805 Dentistry offers gum grafting through our periodontics office, where a board-certified periodontist on staff evaluates recession and restores coverage over the affected area.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that adds tissue to areas where the gums have receded. The goal is to cover exposed root surfaces and rebuild a healthier, more stable band of gum tissue around the tooth. It is one of several gum-focused treatments our periodontist provides, alongside periodontal regeneration, crown lengthening, and cosmetic gum contouring.
Because gum recession can have more than one cause, grafting is often part of a broader plan. If gum disease contributed to the recession, we may recommend scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatment first, followed by periodontal maintenance afterward. That way the graft is placed into a healthier environment rather than simply covering up an ongoing problem.
Many Newbury Park patients come to us after a routine exam or cleaning reveals recession, but you don't need to wait for someone to send you. Our periodontics office accepts patients without a referral, so you can schedule a consultation directly. As a family practice serving all ages, we also make it simple for households to keep their care under one roof.
At your first visit, our periodontist looks at how much root is exposed, the condition of the surrounding tissue, and the overall health of your gums. We also offer 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, when a closer look at the underlying structures is helpful. From there, we explain whether grafting makes sense for you, what other treatment might be needed first, and what the process will involve.
Who is a good candidate for gum grafting?
Good candidates are generally people with gum recession that is exposing root surfaces, causing sensitivity, or affecting how their smile looks. The right fit depends on your individual gum health, which is why every plan starts with an exam.
Gum grafting may be worth discussing if you:
- Notice teeth that look longer or have visible root surfaces
- Feel sensitivity to hot or cold near the gumline
- Have recession that appears to be getting worse over time
- Are concerned about the appearance of uneven gums
- Are planning other periodontal or cosmetic work and want healthy gum support first
If active gum disease is present, we typically address that before grafting. Patients with dental anxiety are welcome too. We have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, so we can talk through which level of comfort support suits you.
What happens during the gum grafting procedure?
During the procedure, our periodontist places graft tissue over the area of recession and secures it so it can integrate with your existing gums. Before anything begins, the area is numbed, and any sedation you've chosen is administered.
We walk you through the specific approach for your case ahead of time, including where the graft tissue will come from and how many areas will be treated in one visit. Having a board-certified periodontist perform the procedure means your treatment is handled by a specialist focused on gum and supporting tissue care. Our on-site dental lab also supports coordination when your plan includes other restorative or periodontal work.
What is recovery like after a gum graft?
Recovery centers on protecting the graft while it heals, and we give you clear written instructions before you leave. Most of the work is simple: keeping the area clean as directed, being gentle with the treated site, and following our guidance on eating and brushing.
We'll schedule follow-up visits to check how the tissue is healing. Once you've recovered, ongoing periodontal maintenance and regular cleanings help protect the result and catch any new recession early. If anything feels off between appointments, call us. Our general dentistry office offers emergency appointments.
How can I pay for gum grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and because our periodontics office files claims as a specialist, we handle the billing side so you don't have to sort it out alone. Before treatment, we review your plan and explain what to expect in terms of coverage.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who would like to spread the cost of care over time. If you live in Newbury Park and have noticed changes along your gumline, contact our team to schedule a periodontal consultation.