Gum Grafting in Woodland Hills
If you've noticed a tooth looking a little longer than it used to, felt a sharp twinge when you sip something cold, or heard at a checkup that your gums are pulling back, you may be wondering what comes next. For many patients in Woodland Hills, the answer is gum grafting, a periodontal procedure that restores gum tissue where it has receded. At 805 Dentistry, we help Woodland Hills families understand their options clearly, so you can decide with confidence and without pressure.
Gum grafting is a procedure that adds healthy tissue to areas where the gums have receded. When gums pull away from a tooth, they can expose the root surface underneath. That root surface isn't protected by enamel the way the visible part of a tooth is. A graft covers that exposed area and rebuilds the gumline around the tooth.
Our practice is based in Thousand Oaks, and we welcome patients from Woodland Hills and neighboring communities throughout the region. Because we have a board-certified periodontist on staff, gum grafting is handled within our own office rather than sent elsewhere. We also accept periodontal patients without a referral, so you can reach out to us directly if you're concerned about your gums.
Gum recession shows up in different ways, and the right candidate isn't always someone with obvious symptoms. Some patients come to us because they've noticed sensitivity along the gumline. Others are bothered by how their smile looks, with teeth that appear uneven or elongated. Some have no discomfort at all and learn about recession during a routine exam.
Recession can affect a single tooth or several teeth at once. It may appear alongside gum disease, or it may be something we monitor over time. Because every mouth is different, we begin with a careful evaluation before recommending any treatment. In some cases, gum grafting is part of a broader plan that might include scaling and root planing, periodontal regeneration, or other gum disease treatment.
What happens at my first visit?
Your first visit is a conversation and a thorough examination, not a commitment to surgery. We'll listen to what you've noticed, ask about your dental history, and examine your gums closely to measure how much recession is present and whether it appears to be progressing.
We offer 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, which gives us a detailed view when we need it. From there, we'll explain what we see in plain language, discuss whether gum grafting makes sense for you, and talk through any related care. Many Woodland Hills patients appreciate having general, family, and specialty care under one roof, since it means fewer handoffs between offices.
What does the gum grafting procedure involve?
Gum grafting involves placing tissue along the receded area and securing it so it can heal into place. Your periodontist will review the specific approach recommended for your situation before treatment begins, including which teeth will be treated and what the appointment will feel like.
Comfort is a priority for us. If you feel anxious about dental work, you're not alone, and we have options to help. Our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff, and sedation choices include:
- Nitrous oxide for light relaxation
- Oral sedation for a calmer experience
- IV sedation for deeper relaxation
- General anesthesia when appropriate
We'll talk through these options together and help you choose the level of comfort that fits your needs and health history.
How do I care for my gums after a graft?
Aftercare focuses on protecting the treated area so it can heal undisturbed. Before you leave, we'll give you clear, written instructions tailored to your procedure, covering eating, brushing near the graft site, and what to expect in the days that follow.
We'll also schedule follow-up visits to check your healing. Long-term, healthy gums depend on consistent home care and regular professional visits. We offer periodontal maintenance and routine cleanings, so Woodland Hills patients can continue their ongoing care with the same team that performed their treatment. If anything feels off during recovery, call us. We also offer emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for gum grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team is glad to help you understand how your coverage may apply. Because our periodontics care is filed as specialist treatment, we'll review the details with you so there are no surprises.
If you don't have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost of care. We believe financial questions deserve the same clear answers as clinical ones. Ask us anytime during your consultation.
Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, 805 Dentistry is here to care for your whole family's smiles. If you're in Woodland Hills and concerned about receding gums, we'd be glad to take a closer look and help you plan your next step.