Gum Grafting in Woodland Hills, CA

Woodland Hills Family Dentistry is here to care for your smile, and sometimes it requires gum grafting. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that covers exposed tooth roots and helps with gum recession. Healthy gums are crucial for a healthy mouth because they protect and hold your teeth in place. We’re excited to help you get the smile you’ve been dreaming about.

What is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting involves transplanting gum tissue, typically from the roof of the mouth, to areas of gum recession to protect exposed tooth roots. This procedure is done by a periodontist, a dental specialist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases. Our Woodland Hills periodontist is trained in the latest techniques for gum grafting, ensuring you receive the best care possible and results that leave you feeling confident.

Why is Gum Grafting Needed?

When the gums recede, they can expose the underlying tooth roots, making them more prone to decay and sensitivity. Gum grafting helps to cover these exposed areas and prevent further damage. Some of the most common reasons for gum grafting include:

• Genetics: Certain genetic factors can increase the risk of dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Understanding your family’s dental history can provide insights into potential oral health challenges.
• Malocclusion: When the teeth are not aligned, teeth and other structures take on excessive forces, which strain the periodontal ligament and bone support. Over time, the extra forces cause the ligament to weaken, the gums recede, and the bone support decreases as a result. Aligning teeth is critical to ensure that the teeth are not under added strain, affecting bone support and causing tooth loss.
• Gum disease: Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup can lead to gum disease. This condition, also known as periodontal disease, can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent gum disease.
• Inadequate dental care: Neglecting proper dental care, such as skipping regular dental check-ups or not following a consistent oral hygiene routine, can contribute to various dental problems. Maintaining good dental habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental visits, is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Signs and Symptoms that Gum Grafting May Be Necessary

Signs that may indicate a need for gum grafting include tooth sensitivity, where you experience pain or discomfort while consuming hot or cold food and drinks. Another sign is visible roots, where the gum recession exposes the tooth’s root surface, making it appear longer. You may also notice that your teeth appear longer overall, which could indicate gum recession. Discomfort or tenderness at the gum line could also be a sign that gum grafting could be necessary to restore gum health.

Benefits of Gum Grafting

Gum grafting offers a range of benefits for your oral health and smile aesthetics. Covering exposed roots improves your smile’s appearance and reduces tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. This procedure also helps prevent further gum recession and bone loss, which promotes your long-term oral health.

The Gum Grafting Procedure at Woodland Hills Family Dentistry

At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, our gum grafting procedure involves several carefully planned steps. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Exam: Your treatment starts with a thorough consultation and assessment by our experienced dental team. We’ll examine your gums, assessing factors like recession, malocclusion, tissue quality, and dental health history. This exam helps us create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Pre-Operative Preparations: Our team will guide you through any necessary preparations before the surgery. This may include providing you with detailed instructions on pre-surgical care, such as dietary guidelines and medications that may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped. We will also take the time to discuss any potential risks or complications associated with the gum grafting procedure.
3. Gum Grafting Procedure: Our Woodland Hills periodontist will graft the chosen tissue onto the affected area during the gum grafting procedure. We will take great care to ensure the graft is securely positioned and the surrounding tissues are properly sutured for optimal healing and integration.
4. Post-Operative Care and Recovery: After the surgery, we will provide you with detailed instructions for post-operative care and recovery to promote healing and minimize discomfort. This will include guidance on pain management strategies, such as prescribed medications and dietary recommendations to support the healing process. Additionally, we will provide specific oral hygiene instructions to follow, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.

By providing you with a detailed treatment plan and exceptional care throughout the gum grafting process, we strive to ensure that you have the highest level of satisfaction with your dental experience.

Reserve Your Woodland Hills Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing gum recession and considering gum grafting, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Woodland Hills Family DentistryWoodland Hills Family DentistryWoodland Hills Family Dentistry. Let’s work together to improve your smile and your oral health!

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On This Page

• What is Gum Grafting?
• Why is Gum Grafting Needed?
• Signs and Symptoms that Gum Grafting May Be Necessary
• Benefits of Gum Grafting
• The Gum Grafting Procedure at Woodland Hills Periodontics

Related Topics

• Periodontal Care
• Gum Surgery
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

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FAQs about Gum Grafting

In this section, we answer common questions about gum grafting to help you understand the procedure better.

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Hear From Our Patients

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Helpful links: WebMD (Gum Tissue Grafts) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)