Gum Grafting in Oak Park
If you've noticed a tooth that looks longer than it used to, or a sharp twinge when you sip something cold, receding gums may be the reason. When gum tissue pulls back, it exposes the root surface of the tooth, which isn't protected by enamel the way the crown is. Gum grafting rebuilds that lost tissue. At 805 Dentistry, our team in Thousand Oaks regularly helps patients from Oak Park address gum recession with care from a board-certified periodontist on our staff, so you don't need to piece together appointments across different offices.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that adds healthy tissue to areas where the gums have receded. In many cases, a small amount of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and carefully positioned over the exposed root, where it heals into place and becomes part of your gumline. The goal is to cover vulnerable root surfaces and restore a sturdier band of gum tissue around the tooth.
Recession can happen gradually, and many people don't notice it until sensitivity or appearance becomes a concern. Some patients come to us after a routine cleaning reveals thinning gums. Others notice the change themselves in the mirror. For our Oak Park patients, gum grafting is one part of a broader range of periodontal care we provide, alongside gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance.
Grafting can make a meaningful difference for both comfort and appearance. Exposed roots are often more sensitive and more vulnerable, so restoring tissue over them can help protect the tooth over the long term. Patients also tend to appreciate a more even, balanced gumline when they smile.
Here's what gum grafting is designed to help with:
- Covering exposed tooth roots that cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Reinforcing thin or weakened gum tissue around affected teeth
- Creating a more uniform gumline for a healthier-looking smile
- Supporting the long-term stability of teeth affected by recession
Because our practice also offers cosmetic gum contouring, crown lengthening, and periodontal regeneration, we can look at your gums as a whole and recommend the approach that fits your situation, rather than treating one area in isolation.
Am I a good candidate for gum grafting?
You may be a candidate if you have gum recession that exposes tooth roots, causes sensitivity, or affects how your smile looks. The best way to know for sure is an evaluation with our periodontist, who will examine your gums and discuss whether grafting is the right fit.
During your first visit, we check how much tissue has receded, how healthy the surrounding gums are, and whether there's active gum disease that needs attention first. If inflammation or infection is present, we may recommend treatment such as scaling and root planing before grafting so the new tissue has a healthy foundation. Our periodontics team accepts patients without a referral, so Oak Park residents can schedule directly with us.
What happens during the procedure?
Gum grafting is performed in our office as a planned procedure, and the area is numbed so you stay comfortable throughout. Our periodontist prepares the treatment site, places the graft tissue over the exposed root, and secures it so it can heal into position.
If dental visits make you anxious, you have options. A board-certified dental anesthesiologist is on our staff, and we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll talk through these choices ahead of time so you know what to expect and can decide what feels right for you. Having periodontal and anesthesia care under one roof means fewer moving pieces for patients traveling from Oak Park.
How do I care for my gums after grafting?
Aftercare focuses on protecting the graft while it heals, and we'll give you specific written instructions before you leave. Generally, that means eating soft foods, avoiding brushing or flossing directly on the treated area until we say it's okay, and keeping up with follow-up visits.
Those follow-up appointments let us check how the tissue is settling in and answer any questions along the way. Once you've healed, ongoing periodontal maintenance and regular cleanings help keep your gums healthy. Many Oak Park families already see us for general, pediatric, and cosmetic care, so gum health can become part of the routine visits you're already making.
How can I pay for gum grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our periodontics department files claims as a specialist. Our team can help you understand your coverage before treatment begins.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who'd like to spread out the cost over time. If you live in Oak Park and have noticed receding gums or new sensitivity, reach out to 805 Dentistry to schedule an evaluation. We'll walk you through your options clearly and help you take the next step with confidence.