1
Connective-Tissue Graft
The most common approach for covering exposed roots. A small amount of tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate and placed where the gum has receded.
Gum Graft Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA
Receding gums and exposed roots, treated by a periodontist who trained at UCLA, taught there for 13 years, and has been restoring gumlines in Beverly Hills since 1999.
Receding gums can expose tooth roots, trigger sharp sensitivity, and make teeth look longer than they used to. Dr. Afshin Salamati provides individualized gum grafting to help protect vulnerable teeth and rebuild a healthier, more natural-looking gumline.
- Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology
- UCLA dental degree, periodontics specialty certificate, and Master of Science
- UCLA faculty member, 1999 to 2012
- Donor-tissue options that can avoid a second surgical site on the palate, when appropriate
Find Out Whether a Gum Graft Is Right for You
Our team will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your visit. No medical history required to get started.
Are Receding Gums Causing Sensitivity or Exposed Roots?
Most people don't start out searching for a "gum graft." They notice a tooth that suddenly hurts with cold water, a smile that looks different in photos, or a dentist who mentions recession at a cleaning. If any of these sound familiar, a periodontal evaluation can tell you what's happening and what to do about it.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you notice:
- Gums pulling away from one or more teeth
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Exposed roots or small notches near the gumline
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets, or brushing
- Thin gum tissue or recession around a dental implant
- An uneven gumline that affects your confidence
- A dentist recommending gum grafting or periodontal treatment
Gum Recession Isn't Always a Hygiene Problem
Recession has many causes: periodontal disease, brushing too hard, clenching or grinding, naturally thin gum tissue, tooth position, past orthodontics, and more. Many patients with excellent home care still develop recession. Identifying the cause matters, because it shapes the right treatment and helps protect your results long term.
Only an in-person periodontal examination can determine whether grafting is the appropriate treatment for you.
Why Choose Dr. Afshin Salamati for Your Gum Graft?
Gum grafting is precise surgery on tissue measured in millimeters. How it heals, how much root it covers, and how natural your gumline looks all depend on the training and judgment of the surgeon performing it.
Dr. Salamati has focused on periodontics and dental implant surgery in Beverly Hills since 1999. He earned his dental degree, periodontics specialty certificate, and Master of Science at UCLA, then spent 13 years on the UCLA faculty training the next generation of dentists. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a voluntary credential that requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations beyond specialty training.
Not All Gum Graft Providers Have the Same Training
| Qualification | General Dentist | Periodontist | Dr. Salamati |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental degree | Yes | Yes | UCLA |
| Specialty residency in periodontics (gum surgery) | No | Yes | UCLA, plus MS |
| Board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology | No | Some | Diplomate |
| Former UCLA faculty | No | No | 1999 to 2012 |
| Practicing in Beverly Hills since 1999 | No | No | Yes |
Gum Graft Options Tailored to Your Needs
There is no one-size-fits-all gum graft. Dr. Salamati selects the technique after evaluating your tissue, your recession pattern, and your goals, so you never have to figure out which procedure you need before your visit.
2
Free Gingival Graft
Used primarily to add thickness and strength to thin gum tissue, creating a more protective band of tissue around the tooth.
3
Pedicle Graft
When there is enough healthy gum tissue next to the treatment area, it can be gently repositioned to cover the root while keeping its own blood supply.
4
Donor-Tissue Graft
Uses professionally processed donor tissue instead of your own, avoiding a second surgical site on the palate. Often a good option for treating several teeth at once or for patients who prefer not to have palatal tissue taken.
What to Expect During Recovery
Worry about discomfort is one of the most common reasons people put off treatment. Here's an honest look at what recovery typically involves.
1
Procedure day
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. You'll go home with personalized post-operative instructions and medication guidance.
2
First 1 to 2 days
Some soreness, swelling, and minor bleeding are normal. Many patients return to desk work or school within a day or two.
3
First 1 to 2 weeks
You'll eat soft, cool foods, avoid strenuous exercise, and avoid brushing or flossing directly over the graft until Dr. Salamati clears you. Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks.
4
The weeks that follow
The graft continues to mature and blend with your natural tissue. Follow-up visits make sure everything is healing as planned.
"Most patients are surprised that the first days are more manageable than they expected."
Recovery varies depending on the number of teeth treated, the technique used, and whether palatal tissue is involved.
Results from Dr. Salamati's Patients
Gum grafting protects your teeth, and it can also change how your smile looks. See how patients with recession and exposed roots have restored a healthier gumline.
Absolutely the doctor to go to for periodontal disease and implants. Dr. Salamati and his staff are professional, experts, and very caring medical / dental providers. I had gum grafts and had real good results so don’t hesitate. Have your periodontal treatments by Dr. Salamati and his staff with confidence in getting a great outcome. The office is clean and organized and the dental chairs are so comfortable! Top rated dentist periodontist and very professional. A true expert & a pleasant gentleman. Thank you!!! Oh, and his staff are fabulous and organized. Pleasant and friendly.
This was my second gum graft but first with Dr. Salamati. Overall, great experience, & I am recovering faster than the first time I got this procedure. He and his assistant made my procedure extremely comfortable as well. Thanks Afshin & Jose!
Professional, friendly staff and Dr. Salamati did a great job on my gum graft. Recommended!
Super great experience getting my gum graft surgery here a few weeks ago! Everything went perfectly and was super quick and easy. Very happy with my results!
Individual results vary.
Gum Graft Cost & Insurance in Beverly Hills
The cost of gum grafting depends on the number of teeth treated, the severity and pattern of recession, the grafting technique, and whether donor tissue is appropriate. Rather than quote a generic number that may not apply to you, we provide a clear, personalized estimate at your consultation.
Insurance
When gum grafting is medically necessary, many dental plans cover a portion of treatment. Coverage varies by plan, and our team can help you understand your benefits once they're verified.
At your consultation, you'll receive:
- A personalized treatment plan with a clear estimate
- A review of your dental insurance benefits, when applicable
- Call us to ask about financing options
Gum Graft Questions, Answered
Is gum grafting right for receding gums?
Gum grafting may be recommended when recession exposes roots, causes sensitivity, leaves tissue too thin to protect the tooth, or creates an aesthetic concern. A periodontal examination is needed to determine whether a graft or another treatment is the right choice.
Does gum graft surgery hurt?
The treatment area is numbed during the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, and minor bleeding can occur during recovery. Your post-operative instructions and medication plan are tailored to your procedure and health history.
How long is recovery after a gum graft?
Many patients resume desk work within a day or two, while initial healing typically takes one to two weeks. You'll follow a soft-food diet and avoid brushing or flossing over the graft until cleared.
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
Once gum tissue has receded, it typically does not grow back on its own. Depending on the cause and severity, options may include changes to home care, treatment for gum disease or grinding, and in appropriate cases, gum grafting.
Do I have to have tissue taken from my palate?
Not always. Donor-tissue grafts can avoid a second surgical site and may be appropriate for many patients, especially when several teeth need treatment. Dr. Salamati will discuss which option fits your case.
Will a gum graft cover all of my exposed root?
Root coverage varies with the depth and width of recession, bone and tissue support, tooth position, root shape, and the cause of recession. Your consultation will include a candid discussion of realistic goals for your case.
Will insurance cover gum grafting?
Coverage varies by plan and by whether treatment is considered medically necessary. Our office can help you review your benefits, but coverage can't be confirmed until benefits are verified and a treatment plan is created.
Protect Your Teeth and Feel Confident in Your Smile Again
You don't have to choose between protecting your teeth and feeling confident about your smile. A consultation with Dr. Salamati will identify the cause of your recession and whether gum grafting can restore a healthier, more comfortable gumline.