Gum Grafting in Thousand Oaks

Gum grafting is a specialized procedure to restore a healthy gum line. With age, many people experience gum recession. Gums that have suffered some level of gum disease become inflamed or infected, leading to visible gum recession.

The condition can be so extreme that the root of the tooth may be visible above the gum line. Gum grafting is a customized procedure to restore healthy gums by grafting natural tissue, harvested from another part of your mouth, to restore the gums.

Gum grafting procedures

Gum grafting can be performed with several techniques. The right procedure for you will be determined after a thorough examination, and a discussion with you about what to expect in the procedure so you are fully educated. The types of gum grafting procedures include:

Connective tissue grafting: A small flap is opened on the top of the mouth, through which a section of the connective tissue can be harvested and then stitched to the gums to add lost height and volume.
Pedicle gum grafting: This approach involves harvesting tissue closer to the area of gum recession by creating a flap of tissue adjacent to the affected tooth, covering the area of the root that is exposed. This approach is not appropriate for all patients suffering gum recession, as it requires the patient to have adequate available gum tissue to perform the technique.
Free gingival grafting: This technique also involves creating an opening on the roof of the mouth but involves harvesting tissue from the top layer of the palate.
Regenerative gum treatments: At ModelSmile Dentistry, we offer advanced regenerative techniques for gum recession. Pinhole gum surgery involves the placement of a specialized tool into the tissue of the gums, creating a pinhole wound, and the gums then replaced against the tooth. The body has a natural healing capacity, and when it discovers a wounded area, it sends healing cells to the area. This treatment involves little discomfort, and minimal risk.

Cosmetic Dentistry with Dr. Albert Chow at ModelSmile

Meet Dr. Albert Chow at ModelSmile Dentistry

Real Patient Reviews

I had been wanting to find a holistic dentist for quite a while, so I did a bit of research and found Dr. Chow. I don’t usually like going to the dentist, but today changed that. Dr. Chow and his entire team are outstanding. His office is beautiful, clean, and the ambiance is calm and relaxing. My appointment was scheduled at 7:30 a.m., and I was escorted back to the dental chair at 7:29 a.m. They were kind enough to provide me with an early appointment so I could get to work on time. I had full X-rays and a cleaning by their amazing hygienist, who took her time explaining exactly what she was doing and what she was seeing throughout the procedure. She was pleasant to interact with and even massaged my gums as part of the cleaning. Dr. Chow then completed an extensive dental exam. He was extremely thorough and attentive to my concerns. He discovered four cavities that a previous dentist had missed. We also decided to perform a CT scan to ensure there was no hidden oral disease where previous root canals had been performed. I’m thrilled that I found Dr. Chow and his incredible team. I can’t wait for my daughters to see him as well. If you’re looking for an outstanding dentist who goes above and beyond in every way, Dr. Chow is your guy.

J.L.

I was able to get squeezed in for a very challenging emergency tooth extraction due to a horrible infection. The entire staff was personable, and Dr. Chow took his time caring for my tooth. I was really sick from the infection, and I’m grateful for the care I received.

A.J.

Dr. Chow is a true craftsman in his profession, and I would not hesitate to recommend him. He deserves all the five-star reviews posted about him. For 12 years, I suffered from infections affecting my sinuses and stomach and could not permanently heal them. Finally, a dentist discovered I had an infected cavitation in my lower left jaw that had gone undetected for more than 30 years. I had one opportunity to fix this issue and selected Dr. Chow because he was one of the few dentists with the expertise to properly address my condition. I also felt his fees were reasonable for the level of care required. It took about nine weeks after surgery for my body to adjust to not being sick all the time. Since then, I’ve experienced a dramatic resurgence in health that I had not felt in years. At 70 years old, I’m back in the gym three times a week, practicing yoga at home, and enjoying full productive days again. I truly feel like I have my life back. My wife, employees, and seven grandchildren thank you as well. Fantastic job by Dr. Chow.

D.S.

After more than 20 years of struggling with chronic illness, I was led down a path that ultimately brought me to Dr. Chow. I decided to remove four root canals and all remaining metal fillings that were contributing to severe health concerns for me. What initially felt like a desperate last effort has turned into a journey of healing and hope. I have undergone two six-hour surgeries with Dr. Chow, with more treatment still ahead, and I have never felt more safe or cared for by a medical professional. The staff feels like family — warm, familiar faces that make me feel genuinely seen and supported. Dr. Chow’s passion for holistic medicine brings a unique perspective to treatment. He understands the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Following my procedures, he has continued supportive care with ozone therapy to help address lingering infections and inflammation. His care has played a major role in my recovery and renewed sense of hope. Choosing Dr. Chow was one of the best healthcare decisions I’ve ever made.

T.E.

Gum grafting: Why choose ModelSmile Dentistry?

If you have been advised that you need gum grafting, or you see that your gums are recessed, it is imperative that you seek help before the condition advances. Once the root on the tooth is exposed, it can lead to serious decay and the loss of a tooth that could have been saved. When you are treated at ModelSmile Dentistry, you will be under the care of a dentist who offers a rare level of training and experience. Dr. Chow has achieved the designation of “Master of the Academy of General Dentistry.” Only 2 percent of the dentists in the USA have taken this educational journey.

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Integrative dentistry and gum grafting

Dr. Chow is not only an MAGD, but a Certified Naturopath. His approach is to identify the factors that led to gum recession, and to assist his patients to experience improved oral health. His whole-body approach drives every facet of his responsible aesthetic dentistry. You can be confident that your treatment will be performed with precision, in comfort, and with biologically safe materials and processes.