West Hollywood Gum Grafting

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A gum graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue.

Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gingival recession due to periodontal disease.  There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

Here are some of the most common types of gum grafting:

  • Free gingival graft – This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue.  A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession.  Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage.
  • Subepithelial connective tissue graft – This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots.  Tissue is removed fairly painlessly from the outer layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.
  • Acellular dermal matrix allograft – This procedure uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft.  The advantage of this is procedure is that there is no need for a donor site from the patient’s palate (and thus, less pain).

Reasons for gum grafting

Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure.  Though the name might sound frightening, the procedure is commonly performed with excellent results.

Here are some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting:

  • Reduced sensitivity – When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth.  Gum grafting surgery permanently covers the exposed root, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums.
  • Improved appearance – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation.  Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.”  Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at.  In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.
  • Improved gum health – Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly.  If left untreated, a large amount of gum tissue can be lost in a short period of time.  Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.

What does gum grafting treatment involve?

Once the need for gum grafting surgery has been determined, there are several treatments the dentist will want perform before gum grafting takes place.  First, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned supra and subgingivally to remove calculus (tartar) and bacteria.  The dentist can also provide literature, advice and educational tools to increase the effectiveness of homecare and help reduce the susceptibility of periodontal disease in the future.

The gum grafting procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic.  The exact procedure will depend much on whether tissue is coming from the patient’s palate or a tissue bank.

Initially, small incisions will be made at the recipient site to create a small pocket to accommodate the graft.  Then a split thickness incision is made and the connective tissue graft is inserted into the space between the two sections of tissue. The graft is usually slightly larger than the recession area, so some excess will be apparent.

Sutures are often placed to further stabilize the graft and to prevent any shifting from the designated site.  Surgical material is used to protect the surgical area during the first week of healing.  Uniformity and healing of the gums will be achieved in approximately six weeks.

If you have any questions about gum grafting, please ask your dentist.

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What Our Other Patients Are Saying

Julian Verdugo
Julian Verdugo
February 3, 2023
Right above the renowned LAVO ristorante, Dushane Dental on the 4th floor over looks part of Hollywood/Beverly Hills border. One of the greatest dentist teams in the world. Dushane Dental has a team of Rockstars. Shelly, Love, Joey, and Tiffany are all phenomenal in what they do. They do it with such grace and tenacity. No need to be afraid of going to the dentist with this group; your absolutely in great hands. I’ve only been in LA since winter 2018 and I’ve shopped a couple hand fulls of dentists, this is by far the best and teetering on world renowned with their exceptional attention to detail. Shelly loves doing her patients cleanings as much as I love getting a cleaning. Tiffany and Joey are both ever so meticulous with their due diligence. Greatness like this isn’t achieved over night. Cheers to this rockstar team. I’m literally looking forward to every visit. Please consider Dushane Dental whether in or out of network with your insurance. Update: I bought a teeth whitening package at Dushane dental and WOW it turned my teeth white! Check out the photos in my Review
Dominic Barbaro
Dominic Barbaro
April 28, 2022
Love Dr Dushane!! I really needed a new dentist in LA and feel so well taken care of whenever I go there. Joey's customer service to patients is sublime. Feels so good to stop searching when you find a great medical professional!
Siân Thompson
Siân Thompson
April 4, 2022
As someone who finds going to the dentist a stressful experience I can’t recommend Dr. Dushane and her amazing team any higher! The whole team at Dushane is incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and kind. So happy I found them after moving to the area!
Ethan Saeedian
Ethan Saeedian
March 24, 2021
Incredibly helpful, clean and polite. Dr Dushane was so nice, as my hygienist Shila, office manager Joey, and Julian. Joey was super nice and as polite as could be, and showed me how safe and clean the office was upon entering. (You are supposed to call while you are outside the office and they let you in!) Shila was thorough, professional, and constantly checking if I was having any pain. (I wasn't) Julian was personable and friendly, and a pleasure to talk to. Dr. Was very through, and went over many issues other dentists dismissed. Very professional from the time I walked in to the time that I left. Answers all my questions. Highly recommend!
Johnny Mazariego
Johnny Mazariego
November 6, 2020
Great Dentist experience. The facility is always clean, they are very professional and polite. An honest and true care for you and your teeth. Nothing but 5 stars for everyone and everything.
Charles Cohen
Charles Cohen
June 25, 2019
Dr Tiffany Dushane, She is a great Dr, very skilled and experience.. with a magic touch..
Kitty Schur
Kitty Schur
June 16, 2019
I can’t say enough amazing things about Dr.Dushane and Joey. I had a dental emergency and they both were so accommodating and made me feel as comfortable as possible in a very stressed out/scary situation.
Johnny ONeil
Johnny ONeil
March 28, 2019
Joey and the crew are amazing. Highly recommend.
Robert D.
Robert D.
July 6, 2023
If you are looking for an amazing dentist, stop searching! Make an appointment with Dr. Dushane ASAP. Every single person on her team is amazing, and she's kind, gentle, and professional. I was nervous about switching dental providers (because my employer switched insurance), but after reading all the previous reviews I decided to give her a chance. Trust me, you won't regret the level of service, care, and kindness. Their prices are reasonable, the office is spotless and clean (very important), the equipment is modern, and she really sets the tone for a friendly and helpful environment. She, and her team, get 5 STARS! Thank you Dr. Dushane, for everything you do!
Taylor M.
Taylor M.
June 30, 2023
Best dentist I've ever had - amazing receptionist and hospitality, dental technician and Dr. Dushane is as lovely as she is knowledgeable. They recommended a periodontist to me as well and it was a wonderful recommendation. Can't speak highly enough of Dushane Dental Arts!
Leila P.
Leila P.
April 8, 2023
Highly recommend Dr. Dushane, she's knowledgable and direct. Switched to her office after my old dentist retired. I spent a lot of time searching for a trustworthy dentist who doesn't want to jump to drilling and filling. She's definitely the right balance between wait and see and take action. Love Sheila the hygienist and Joey at the front desk is really great too. And their office is super clean which is important for a dentist! 5 stars all around.
Christopher F.
Christopher F.
March 14, 2023
I highly recommend Dushane Dental Arts. Everyone on Dr. Dushane's team is genuinely nice and helpful, and Shila is the BEST dental hygienist I have ever had--she has an incredible attention to detail. Fantastic experience all around. This team does great work!
H E.
H E.
February 2, 2023
Dushane's team is like family. They take care of me and my family members. I trust them. I wouldn't go anywhere else. They are perfectionists with their work and their main concern is our happiness.
Janet C.
Janet C.
November 16, 2022
I have never been so excited to go to the dentist in my life. This place is a dream. Joey, who manages the front desk, is an expert in insurance and is extremely on top of everything. The whole office is extremely experienced, they have all the new tools to give you a phenomenal cleaning, and they are SUPER NICE to boot! Cannot recommend Dushane Dental enough.
Daniel K.
Daniel K.
November 2, 2022
I went to Dushane Dental Arts for a few procedures and they provided an exceptional experience. You can tell that cleanliness is a very high priority and the staff is so kind and accommodating. I highly recommend this dentist for both cosmetic and regular care!
Janet W.
Janet W.
July 17, 2022
An outstanding experience from initial examination through to completed treatment. Dr Dushane and her team are top notch - friendly, professional, efficient and skilled. I hadn't been to a dentist for a few years and my teeth required some serious 'fixing'. I left my first appointment after a deep cleaning, with a full understanding of what treatment was required and with detailed print-out of the cost and the contributions my insurance company would make. I would be travelling abroad for the Summer so Joey made sure to fit me in before my departure date. Although the follow-up appointment was lengthy due to the number of filings required, it was one of the smoothest procedures I've ever had. One thing I hadn't anticipated was the positive cosmetic effect resulting from replacing old metal fillings with white composite ones. In short, I can't recommend Dr Dushane highly enough. A brilliant dentist and practice.
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