Gum Grafting Kirkland | Dr. Javadi DDS MSD
If you experience tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold beverages or notice your gums receding in photos, you may be suffering from gum recession. This condition not only affects the appearance of your smile but also poses a serious risk to your oral health. Exposed tooth roots are significantly more vulnerable to decay than enamel and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss even in otherwise healthy teeth.
At Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants, board-certified periodontist Dr. Ellie Javadi offers gentle, high-success gum-grafting surgery for Kirkland residents, pairing 20 years of microsurgical expertise with cone-beam CT imaging, ultra-fine microsutures, and optional IV or oral sedation to restore comfort and confidence with minimal downtime.
What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession is the gradual migration of the gumline away from the crown of the tooth, exposing the vulnerable root surface that lacks protective enamel. Gum tissue rarely retreats overnight, and most patients experience years of silent damage before symptoms appear.
Contributing factors include:
- Over-zealous brushing with stiff bristles or abrasive toothpaste
- Untreated gingivitis or periodontitis that erodes supporting tissue
- Thin, genetically inherited gum biotype that offers less natural coverage
- Orthodontic tooth movement that pushes roots outside the bone housing
Early warning signs are tooth sensitivity, an uneven gumline or “black triangles,” chronic inflammation, and deep periodontal pockets. Acting promptly before decay or looseness sets in gives the graft its best chance of long-term success.
Gum-Grafting Options in Kirkland
Dr. Javadi custom-matches every patient to one of two time-tested techniques, chosen after a cone-beam CT scan and a thorough intra-oral exam.
Gingival (Free) Graft: Best for early, localized recession
When gums are merely thinning around the neck of one or two teeth, Dr. Javadi reinforces the area by borrowing a paper-thin strip of firm tissue from the palate and suturing it over the recession site. The graft immediately thickens the protective band, halting downward creep and creating a stable foundation for long-term health.
Soft-Tissue (Root-Coverage) Graft: Ideal for broader or root-level exposure
If recession has already exposed the root surface or spans several neighboring teeth, Dr. Javadi places a wider, connective-tissue graft, either your own tissue or pre-sterilized donor material, across the affected roots. This blanket seals sensitive nerves, discourages tartar buildup, and helps prevent future bone loss while blending naturally with the surrounding gum.
What to Expect on Graft Day
Your surgery takes place in our AAAHC-accredited suite under strict infection-control protocols, with a dedicated team monitoring your comfort throughout. Below is a concise step-by-step outline so you know exactly what will happen from start to finish.
- Comfort-First Anesthesia – Targeted local anesthetic fully numbs the area.
- Tissue Collection or Donor Prep – Either a paper-thin layer from your palate is gently lifted or ready-to-use donor tissue is prepared.
- Precise Placement – The graft is custom-contoured to your recession pattern and anchored with ultra-fine microsutures.
- Post-Op Guidance – You’ll leave with detailed rinsing, diet, and medication instructions.
Most procedures are completed in 60–90 minutes, and patients can resume desk work typically the next day.
Recovery & Home-Care Tips
The right routine during the first 7–10 days is the most critical factor in ensuring your graft heals smoothly and integrates firmly:
- Diet: Stick to cool, soft foods (such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, and smoothies) for 5-7 days.
- Oral Hygiene: Replace brushing at the surgical site with the antimicrobial rinse provided until cleared at your follow-up.
- Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for 72 hours; gentle walks promote circulation.
- Comfort: Alternate OTC NSAIDs and short ice-pack intervals on Day 1 to limit swelling.
How Much Does Gum Grafting Cost in Kirkland?
For Kirkland patients, the gum grafting fee varies depending on the severity of recession, the number of teeth involved, the type of graft, and whether adjunct procedures (e.g., deep scaling or minor bone contouring) are required. After your exam, Dr. Javadi provides a written, line-item estimate and submits a pre-determination to your insurer, so you’ll know the exact out-of-pocket share before scheduling.
Book Your Kirkland Gum Graft Consultation
Root exposure worsens over time, don’t wait until sensitivity escalates to tooth loss. Call Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants at (425) 775-2002 or request your appointment online to safeguard your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gum grafting cost?
Fees typically range from $600 to $1,500 per tooth, varying according to the number of teeth treated, the type of graft material, and whether additional periodontal work is required.
How long will a gum graft last?
When paired with good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, a successful graft can remain stable for decades, often the rest of your life. Failures are rare and usually linked to unchecked periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or smoking.
Do dentists recommend gum grafts?
Yes, general dentists and periodontists routinely advise grafting when recession exposes root surfaces, causes sensitivity, or threatens future bone support, because the procedure thickens fragile tissue, shields the root, and prevents further periodontal breakdown.
Is gum grafting very painful?
Most patients report little to no pain during surgery thanks to local anesthesia (and optional oral or IV sedation). Postoperative soreness is usually mild, comparable to a pizza burn on the palate, and can be controlled with over-the-counter analgesics and a soft-food diet for a few days.
Hours of Operation
Our Regular Schedule
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- wednesday7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Thursday7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- FRIDAY1st & 3rd Friday of the month
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed