361 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805 Dentistry

When gum tissue pulls back from a tooth, it exposes the root surface underneath. That surface was never meant to face hot coffee, cold water, or the bristles of a toothbrush. Many people first notice it as a sharp twinge of sensitivity, a tooth that suddenly looks longer than its neighbors, or a small notch near the gumline. If you live in Ventura and have noticed any of these changes, gum grafting is one of the treatments our periodontal team uses to rebuild that lost tissue and protect the root.

Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that adds healthy tissue to areas where the gums have receded. The goal is to cover exposed root surfaces and strengthen thin or weakened gum tissue so it can better protect the tooth. At 805 Dentistry, gum grafting is performed by our board-certified periodontist, a specialist focused on the gums and the structures that support the teeth.

Recession can show up in different ways. It may affect a single tooth or several teeth, and it may be cosmetic, functional, or both. Some patients come to us because their smile looks uneven at the gumline. Others come because brushing a certain area has become uncomfortable. During your evaluation, we look at the full picture and explain whether grafting makes sense for your situation.

Gum grafting offers practical and cosmetic advantages. It is often part of a broader plan to keep teeth healthy and stable over the long term. Patients typically seek it for reasons like these:

  • Covering exposed roots to help reduce sensitivity to temperature and touch
  • Reinforcing thin gum tissue that may be more vulnerable to further recession
  • Improving the appearance of the gumline when some teeth look longer than others
  • Supporting other periodontal care, alongside treatments like scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance

Because our periodontics team also offers periodontal regeneration, cosmetic gum contouring, crown lengthening, and gum disease treatment, we can coordinate gum grafting with other care you may need. That means Ventura patients don't have to piece together treatment across several offices. Our approach as a one-stop practice for the whole family is designed to keep your care connected.

Am I a good candidate for gum grafting?

You may be a good candidate if you have gum recession that exposes root surfaces, causes sensitivity, or affects how your smile looks. The best way to know for sure is a periodontal evaluation, where we examine your gums and discuss your concerns and goals.

Recession has many possible causes, and understanding yours helps us plan treatment that fits. If active gum disease is present, we may recommend treating it first with services such as scaling and root planing, so the graft is placed in a healthier environment. We also offer 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, when a closer look at the supporting structures is helpful. You don't need a referral to see our periodontist, so Ventura residents can schedule a consultation directly.

What happens during the gum grafting procedure?

During the procedure, our periodontist places tissue at the areas of recession and secures it so it can heal into place along the gumline. Before treatment begins, we review your plan, explain each step, and answer your questions so you know exactly what to expect.

Comfort is a priority for us. Our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff, and we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. If dental visits make you anxious, let us know during your consultation. We can talk through which option may suit you, so the appointment feels manageable from start to finish.

What is recovery like after gum grafting?

Recovery involves a healing period during which the treated area needs gentle care so the new tissue can settle in. Before you leave, we'll explain how to care for the site, what to eat, and how to keep your mouth clean without disturbing the graft.

We'll also schedule follow-up visits so our periodontist can check how the area is healing. Long-term, ongoing periodontal maintenance and regular dental cleanings help protect the results of treatment. Since we provide general, preventive, and specialty care under one roof, Ventura patients can keep up with these visits in a single familiar office, with a team that already knows their history.

How can I pay for gum grafting?

We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Our periodontics services are filed with insurance as specialist care, and our team can help you understand how your plan applies before treatment begins.

If you're paying out of pocket, we'll review your options clearly so there are no surprises. Financing can make it easier to move forward with care you need without waiting. Our team is glad to answer cost questions during your consultation.

If gum recession has been on your mind, our team led by Dr. Dar Radfar is ready to help. Contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a periodontal evaluation and learn whether gum grafting is the right next step for your smile.

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805 Dentistry

361 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

(805) 336-8478

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