Gum recession occurs when gum tissue moves away from a tooth, making more of the tooth or root surface visible. It can affect one area or several areas of the mouth.
Recession does not automatically mean gum grafting is needed. A dental assessment can help identify possible contributing factors and determine whether monitoring, changes to oral-care habits, treatment for gum concerns, gum grafting, or another approach may be appropriate. Professional disclosure: The dentists at Hamilton City Dental are general practitioners.
What can receding gums mean?
Receding gums can make teeth appear longer and may expose root surfaces that are more sensitive to cold, heat, touch, or brushing. Some people notice a notch near the gumline, while others do not have symptoms.
Gum recession can have more than one possible contributor. These may include gum inflammation, periodontal disease, tooth position, thin gum tissue, aggressive brushing, clenching or grinding, tobacco use, or changes around a tooth. An assessment is important because the appropriate next step depends on the cause, the amount and location of recession, and the overall health of the teeth and gums.
When might gum grafting be considered?
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that adds or repositions gum tissue around a tooth or teeth. It may be considered when recession exposes a root surface, sensitivity is a concern, the tissue needs added support, or appearance is a concern. It is not suitable for every case.
Before discussing treatment, a dental professional may consider factors such as gum health, plaque control, the position of the tooth, bite forces, the extent of recession, and whether recession appears stable or is progressing. Addressing contributing factors can be an important part of planning, whether or not grafting is considered.
Potential benefits, limits and risks to discuss
Depending on the individual situation, gum grafting may help cover part of an exposed root surface, increase the amount or thickness of gum tissue, and reduce sensitivity for some patients. Benefits vary by patient and cannot be predicted from a description or photograph alone.
Complete root coverage cannot be assumed. The degree of coverage, appearance, comfort, and long-term stability can vary with the tooth, tissue, oral hygiene, healing, and other individual factors.
As with other surgical dental procedures, possible risks can include discomfort, swelling, bleeding, infection, changes in appearance, incomplete root coverage, and graft healing that does not proceed as hoped. A treating dental professional can explain the material risks, benefits, alternatives, and recovery considerations that apply to a specific situation.
Recovery and daily care considerations
Recovery varies by patient and by the area treated. The treating dental professional will provide individualized instructions about eating, cleaning the area, activity, and any recommended medications. Following those instructions and attending any advised appointments can support healing.
Gentle brushing with an appropriate technique, cleaning between teeth as advised, and addressing habits that may traumatize the gums can all be relevant to protecting gum health. Do not change your oral-care routine after surgery without guidance from the professional providing your care.
Questions to bring to a dental assessment
Useful questions include: What may be contributing to my recession? Is the recession stable? What are the reasonable options besides grafting? What level of root coverage is realistic in my case? What are the likely risks, recovery needs, and costs?
The dentists at Hamilton City Dental are general practitioners.
If you are noticing recession or ongoing sensitivity, contact Hamilton City Dental to arrange an assessment and discuss whether gum grafting or another approach may be appropriate.
Key takeaways
- Gum recession can have several possible causes, so an assessment is needed before deciding on treatment.
- Gum grafting may be considered in some situations, but it is not suitable for every case.
- Potential benefits can include added gum-tissue support and reduced sensitivity for some patients; outcomes and healing vary.
- Complete root coverage cannot be assumed, and surgical risks and alternatives should be discussed before treatment.
- Before deciding on gum grafting, ask about other care options, expected healing, possible risks, and the results that may be realistic for your situation.
