Gum Grafting in Woodhaven
A tooth that suddenly looks longer than it used to, a zing of cold sensitivity when you sip ice water, a notch you can feel with your fingernail near the gumline — these are the everyday signs that gum tissue has pulled back and left root surface exposed. Receding gums rarely hurt enough to force the issue, which is why so many people live with them for years. At our office on Allen Rd. in Woodhaven, we treat gum grafting as a practical repair: we rebuild the tissue that protects your roots so the tooth stays comfortable, stable, and covered.
Gum grafting is a procedure that adds healthy tissue to an area where the gumline has receded. The new tissue is secured over the exposed root and allowed to heal and integrate, restoring a thicker, more durable band of gum around the tooth. Depending on the situation, grafted tissue may be taken from the roof of your mouth or from donor tissue, and the choice is something we discuss with you before anything is scheduled.
Roots are not covered by enamel, so once they are exposed they are more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay and continued wear. Recession also tends to progress. Grafting stops that cycle by replacing what was lost. For Woodhaven patients, the practical benefits usually show up quickly in daily life:
- Less sensitivity to cold drinks, air, and brushing
- Root surfaces protected from decay and abrasion
- A more even, natural-looking gumline
- Better long-term support for the tooth and surrounding bone
- A gum edge that is easier to clean and keep healthy
People come to us for grafting from several different directions. Some have gum disease and have already completed scaling and root planing or ongoing periodontal maintenance with our hygienist; once the infection is controlled, grafting addresses the tissue loss left behind. Others have never had gum disease at all — years of aggressive brushing, clenching, or simply thin tissue has worn the gumline down on one or two teeth.
Recession also comes up during other treatment planning. Orthodontic patients, both the teens and adults we see for braces and Invisalign, sometimes need tissue reinforced before or after tooth movement. Implant and restorative patients may need grafting so the finished crown meets a healthy, stable gum edge rather than exposed root. And cosmetic concerns count too: if one tooth looks noticeably longer than its neighbors, grafting can even things out.
The right candidates are patients with good general oral health, or a clear plan to get there. If active gum disease or decay is present, we treat that first. We offer a complimentary consultation, so you can have the area examined and get a straight answer about whether grafting is the right step before committing to anything.
What the Procedure and Recovery Look Like
We start with an exam and X-rays to measure how much recession has occurred and check the bone underneath. From there we explain exactly which teeth are involved and what the appointment will include. The procedure itself is done with local anesthetic. For patients who feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation, and our comfort menu — blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix — is available during treatment.
Afterward, the grafted site needs quiet time to heal. That typically means soft foods for a stretch, no brushing directly on the site until we say so, and avoiding anything that tugs or pokes at the area. We give you written instructions, discuss what discomfort to expect, and schedule a follow-up to check healing. If something feels off between visits, we see emergency appointments the same day, which matters when you would rather not wait to have a question answered. Because our Woodhaven location handles general, surgical, orthodontic, and lab work under one roof, follow-up care and any related restorative work stay with the same team.
Paying for Gum Grafting in Woodhaven
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and provide a complimentary benefits check, so you know what your plan covers before treatment begins. We also welcome self-pay patients and accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
If you do not have insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 for patients 17 and younger. It covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings, and two fluoride treatments at 100%, with 20% to 50% off other treatment, and there is no annual maximum, no deductible, no waiting period, and no pre-authorization. CareCredit financing is available for patients who prefer to spread payments out.
Our team of five doctors, led by Dr. Ghannam, treats patients of all ages, and se habla español. Call our Woodhaven office to schedule your consultation.