If your dentist has recently recommended gum surgery or gum grafting, you probably have questions and maybe a few concerns. That’s completely understandable, and you’re not alone. Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, and the team at County Center Dental Group specialize in helping patients navigate gum health treatment with confidence and clarity. We take the time to explain your diagnosis, walk you through your options, and make sure you feel supported before, during, and after your procedure.
Gum Surgery & Gum Grafting
At What Point Gum Disease Becomes a Surgical Problem
Not every case of gum disease requires surgery. In the early stages, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is often enough to control bacterial buildup and stop the disease from progressing. But when gum disease reaches a more advanced stage, when pockets between the gum and tooth become too deep to clean, when bone has started to deteriorate, or when the gum tissue has pulled away significantly from the tooth root, non-surgical options are no longer sufficient to address the damage.
At that point, surgery becomes necessary to access areas that instruments simply can’t reach during a standard cleaning. Gum grafting enters the picture when recession has already occurred and tissue loss needs to be physically replaced, not just managed. The distinction matters: surgery isn’t a last resort. It’s the appropriate level of care for a problem that has moved beyond what conservative treatment can fix. Left unaddressed, advanced gum disease continues to break down the structures that keep your teeth stable, making early intervention far less complicated than waiting.
Addressing Gum Disease & Recession With the Right Procedure
At County Center Dental Group, we offer targeted gum treatments designed to address the root cause of your gum issues, not just the symptoms. Here’s a closer look at the specific services we provide.
How Gum Surgery & Grafting Works, From Diagnosis to Healed Gums
Initial Gum Health Assessment
Your first appointment gives Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, a complete picture of your gum health. She’ll measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth, review your dental and medical history, and use imaging to evaluate bone levels where needed. This thorough evaluation ensures that every recommendation is based on what’s actually happening in your mouth, not a generalized assumption.
Designing Your Treatment Approach
Once we understand the full scope of your gum condition, we build a plan specific to your needs. This includes identifying which teeth are affected, determining whether gum surgery, grafting, or a combination of both is appropriate, and outlining a realistic timeline for your care. We walk you through the plan in plain language so you know exactly what’s involved before committing to any procedure.
Completing Your Procedure
On the day of your surgery or grafting procedure, Dr. Khasraghi and our clinical team prioritize your comfort from the moment you arrive. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure you don’t feel pain during treatment, and sedation options are available for patients who experience dental anxiety. Whether the procedure involves reshaping gum tissue, reducing pocket depth, or placing a graft, our team works carefully and efficiently to complete your treatment.
Recovering Comfortably at Home
After your procedure, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support smooth, healthy healing. This includes guidance on what to eat, how to keep the area clean without disrupting the surgical site, and which activities to limit in the first few days. Most patients find that discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, and swelling typically subsides within the first week.
Confirming Your Gum Health Results
Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, to track how well your gums are healing and confirm that the treatment is producing the results we planned for. These visits also give us the opportunity to address any questions that come up during recovery and adjust your ongoing care if needed. Long-term gum health depends on consistent monitoring, and we remain actively involved in your care well beyond the procedure itself.
Why Choose Our Approach to Gum Surgery & Gum Grafting
Gum disease doesn’t stay contained to your gums. When left untreated or inadequately managed, it affects bone density, destabilizes teeth, and has been linked to broader health concerns including cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications. That connection is something we take seriously at every stage of your care. Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, evaluates your gum condition not in isolation but as part of your overall oral health, because treating the gums effectively means understanding what’s at stake beyond them.
What that looks like in practice is a treatment approach that accounts for both the immediate problem and its long-term implications. We don’t simply perform the procedure and send you home. We look at how your gum health interacts with your bite, your bone structure, and the longevity of your existing teeth, then build a care plan that addresses all of it. Patients who come to County Center Dental Group for gum surgery or grafting leave with healthier gums and a clearer picture of how to maintain their results over time. That kind of comprehensive, connected care is what makes the difference between a procedure and a lasting outcome.
Your Teeth Need Healthy Gums to Last. We Can Help Make That Happen!
Receding gums and advanced gum disease don’t improve on their own, but with the right care, they don’t have to keep getting worse. Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, and the team at County Center Dental Group are ready to evaluate your gum health, explain your options honestly, and put together a treatment plan built around your specific situation. Booking your consultation is straightforward: dial 703.670.4888 to pick a time that works for you.
Stay connected with us on Facebook for patient education, practice updates, and tips on maintaining healthy gums between visits. Your next step toward stronger, healthier gums starts with a single appointment, and we’ll take it from there.
FAQs
What is gum graft surgery?
Gum graft surgery is a procedure that replaces or reinforces gum tissue that has receded away from the teeth, exposing sensitive tooth roots. Tissue is typically sourced from the roof of your mouth or a processed donor material, then carefully placed and secured at the graft site. The procedure helps reduce tooth sensitivity, protect against decay, and restore a more natural-looking gumline.
How long do stitches stay in after gum graft surgery?
Sutures placed after gum graft surgery typically remain in place for one to two weeks, depending on the type of stitches used and how quickly your tissue heals. Some stitches are dissolvable and will break down on their own, while others may need to be removed at a follow-up appointment. Your care team will let you know exactly what to expect based on your specific procedure.
Does gum graft surgery hurt?
During the procedure, local anesthesia keeps you comfortable so you shouldn’t feel pain while the surgery is being performed. After the numbness wears off, it’s normal to experience some soreness and tenderness in the treated area for several days. Most patients manage post-operative discomfort effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following their aftercare instructions closely.
How long does gum graft surgery take?
The length of a gum grafting procedure depends on how many teeth are being treated and the complexity of the case. In general, a single graft site may take about one to two hours to complete, while multiple sites may require a longer appointment. Your dentist will give you a more accurate time estimate once your treatment plan has been finalized.
How much does gum graft surgery cost?
The cost of gum graft surgery varies based on factors like the number of teeth involved, the type of graft used, and your location. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost when the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to gum disease or recession. We recommend scheduling a consultation so we can review your specific situation and help you understand your coverage and payment options.
What to eat after gum surgery?
After gum surgery or grafting, soft foods are your best option during the initial healing period. Good choices include yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and soft cooked vegetables that require minimal chewing. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or extremely hot foods for at least the first week or two, as these can irritate the surgical site and slow the healing process.