Review the recession.
Assess the amount of exposed root and whether the gum level is changing. Tissue thickness and support between the teeth affect the plan.
RECEDING GUMS & EXPOSED ROOTS
Gum grafting
in Thousand Oaks.
Noticing a change in your gumline?
Understand your options.
Teeth that look longer, an exposed root or a sensitive spot can raise questions about your gums. At Lombard Dental Studio in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Vadim Lebovich can assess the recession, discuss treatment choices and coordinate periodontal specialist care when needed.
WHAT IS GUM GRAFTING?
Add tissue where
support is needed.
A gum graft places soft tissue around a selected tooth or site. The goal may be thicker tissue, coverage of an exposed root or both. The amount of achievable coverage depends on the surrounding support.
Understand sensitivity.
An exposed root may contribute to sensitivity. The cause needs assessment, and a graft is not the only possible management option.
Plan lasting care.
The plan also addresses cleaning technique, inflammation, and other contributors. Surgery alone does not remove every reason recession develops.
BEFORE CHOOSING SURGERY
What is changing?
What needs treatment?
The starting point is an assessment of the affected teeth, tissue thickness, gum health and cleaning habits. Monitoring or non-surgical care may be appropriate for some sites.
Review an existing recommendationQuestions for your consultation
- What is contributing to the recession?
- Is the gum level stable or changing?
- Would the goal be root coverage, tissue thickness or both?
- Should a periodontist assess or treat the site?
HOW A GUM GRAFT IS PLANNED
A technique chosen
for your gum tissue.
Grafting may use tissue from the palate or an appropriate donor material. Ask why a particular source is proposed and whether a second area will need to heal.
The provider explains the placement, comfort measures, risks and follow-up before treatment. Complete coverage of every exposed root is not always achievable.
Explore oral surgeryGum grafting adds soft tissue.
It addresses recession or thin tissue. It is different from removing excess gum tissue to expose more tooth.
Understand crown lengtheningBone grafting addresses bone.
A bone graft and a gum graft have different purposes. Ask which tissue needs treatment and how it fits your wider dental plan.
Understand bone graftingAFTER GUM GRAFT SURGERY
Give the graft
time to heal.
You will receive instructions specific to the graft and any donor site. Avoid pulling the lip aside to inspect the wound or touching the graft.
Plan meals and activity
Use the recommended foods and avoid chewing against the site. Rest and follow instructions about returning to exercise and work.
Clean as directed
Keep the rest of the mouth clean. Do not brush or floss directly at the graft until the treating provider permits it; use prescribed rinses only as instructed.
Keep your reviews
The team checks healing before normal cleaning resumes. Appearance and tissue maturation can continue to change after the early recovery period.
YOUR QUESTIONS
Gum grafting
questions.
Discuss your situation and the recommended next steps with the treating team.
Do receding gums always need surgery?
No. The cause, progression, sensitivity, tissue thickness, and cleaning access are assessed first. Monitoring or non-surgical management may be appropriate.
Will a graft cover the whole exposed root?
Not always. The surrounding support and defect shape affect what coverage is achievable. Ask what improvement is realistic for your site.
Does the tissue always come from the roof of my mouth?
No. Palatal tissue is one option; appropriate donor materials are used in selected cases. Discuss the proposed source and any donor-site healing.
Is gum grafting the same as treating a gummy smile?
No. Grafting adds tissue at recession or thin-tissue sites. Excess gum display has different causes and treatment options.
Can I brush the graft after surgery?
Do not clean directly over the graft until instructed. Follow the provided plan for the rest of the mouth and any prescribed rinse.
How long will the site take to heal?
Early recovery and tissue maturation are different. Technique, number of sites, donor area, and your health affect the schedule. Keep reviews before resuming normal cleaning.
Can a gum graft fail?
Yes. Infection, wound disruption, and other factors can affect healing. Contact the treating provider about concerns rather than checking or adjusting the graft yourself.
Can I have a gum graft around an implant?
Soft-tissue treatment may be considered around an implant, but the goal and technique differ by site. Implant and periodontal assessment determine what is appropriate.
Will gum grafting hurt?
The treatment area is numbed. Soreness can occur afterward at the graft or donor site. Ask about comfort measures and the aftercare plan before treatment.
Is gum grafting covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your policy and the clinical reason for treatment. Ask for a written estimate and a benefits review; coverage is not guaranteed.
LOMBARD DENTAL STUDIO · THOUSAND OAKS
Talk through your
gum-grafting options.
Bring your concerns or an existing treatment recommendation. We can discuss the next step and any specialist coordination.
245 Lombard St, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 · Monday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm
Further reading: AAP: gum grafts and root coverage · Cleveland Clinic: gum graft surgery and healing
