Gum Recession
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What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession occurs when gum tissue that surrounds your teeth starts to pull back from the teeth, causing more more of the tooth or its root to get exposed. This can make teeth appear longer than usual and create visible gaps near the gum line.
As the gums recede, the sensitive root surface becomes exposed, increasing the risk of discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods. Gum recession can affect a single tooth or several teeth at once. It may develop gradually, meaning some people do not notice the changes until the recession becomes more pronounced.
Lost gum tissue does not usually grow back naturally, professional periodontal treatment can help protect the teeth and prevent further recession.
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Gum Recession Treatment Options
Deep Cleaning For Periodontal Disease
Scaling and root planing targets bacterial deposits beneath the gum line, including areas within periodontal pockets that a routine cleaning may not reach. It helps control active periodontitis and prevent further damage to the tissues supporting the teeth.
Gum Graft Surgery
A gum graft uses tissue taken from the roof of the mouth or another suitable source to cover exposed tooth roots or increase the thickness of existing gums. It may be recommended for significant recession, persistent root sensitivity or when additional tissue is needed to protect vulnerable teeth.
Treatment For Exposed Tooth Roots
When surgery is not necessary or suitable, your dentist may recommend desensitising treatments or protective bonding to reduce sensitivity and cover exposed root surfaces. These treatments can help reduce symptoms, however they do not in themselves replace lost gum tissue or reverse recession.
Gum Graft Surgery For Receding Gums
How Gum Graft Surgery Works
Gum graft surgery involves placing a small piece of tissue over an area where the gums have receded, helping to cover exposed tooth roots and strengthen the gum line. The tissue is most often taken from the roof of the patient’s mouth. In some instances, alternative areas may be more suitable depending on treatment needs.
When Is A Gum Graft Needed?
A gum graft may be recommended when significant recession exposes vulnerable tooth roots, causes persistent sensitivity or affects the appearance of the gums. Your dentist will assess the extent of the recession, gum thickness and overall periodontal health before determining whether surgery is appropriate.
Benefits Of Gum Grafting
Depending on the technique used, a gum graft can cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity and provide additional protection against further tissue loss. It can also improve gum symmetry and reduce the appearance of teeth looking unusually long.
Recovery After Gum Graft Surgery
Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks, although complete tissue healing can take several weeks or longer. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, avoiding trauma to the surgical site and attending follow-up appointments can help support successful healing.
Gum Recession Treatment Costs
Prices for periodontal treatment for treating gum recession with our dentists in London are noted below.
|
Examination |
£65 |
|
6 Point Pocket Chart |
£85 |
|
Scaling & Root Planing |
from £180 |
|
Gum Graft Surgery |
from £600 |
What Causes Receding Gums
Bacterial Infection Below The Gum Line
Bacteria in dental plaque can provoke an immune response that gradually harms the tissues surrounding the teeth. When this process extends beneath the gum line, the tissue can separate from the tooth surface, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
Progression From Gingivitis To Periodontitis
Gingivitis develops when plaque irritates the gums, often causing tenderness, redness and bleeding during brushing. If the inflammation persists without effective treatment, periodontitis may develop and cause irreversible damage to the structures that hold the teeth in place.
Damage To The Supporting Bone And Tissues
Periodontitis can cause the periodontal ligaments and bone surrounding the tooth roots to break down, causing the teeth foundations to weaken. As the supporting structures are lost, the gum margin may sit further down the tooth, leaving previously covered root surfaces exposed.
Persistent, Untreated Periodontal Disease
Without appropriate periodontal care, the infection can remain active and continue damaging the tissues around affected teeth. The extent of gum recession may increase as a result, making early diagnosis and control of the disease important for protecting the remaining gum and bone support.
Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Recession
Teeth Appearing Longer Than Usual
As the gum line moves away from the crown of a tooth, more of its surface becomes visible, making it look longer than neighbouring teeth. This can be quite noticeable, especially around the front teeth when you smile.
Tooth Sensitivity
Exposed tooth roots can cause sharp discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks. This happens because the root surface lacks the protective enamel covering found on the crown of the tooth.
Visible Tooth Roots And Uneven Gum Lines
Receding gums can leave yellowish root surfaces exposed and create noticeable differences in gum height between neighbouring teeth. The gum line may appear uneven, with certain teeth showing more exposed surface than others.
Bleeding, Redness And Gum Discomfort
When gum recession is associated with gum disease, the surrounding tissue may become swollen, tender or prone to bleeding during brushing. These symptoms can indicate ongoing inflammation that requires a dental assessment to identify the underlying cause.
Can Gum Recession Cause Tooth Sensitivity And Root Decay?
Gum Recession And Tooth Sensitivity
When gums recede, they expose the underlying tooth roots, which are not protected by the hard enamel covering the crown. This exposes tiny channels in the dentine that allow hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks to trigger sharp tooth sensitivity.
Receding Gums Increase Risk Of Root Decay
Exposed tooth roots are more vulnerable to decay because the root surface is covered by cementum, which is softer and less resistant to acid than enamel. Bacteria and plaque can therefore damage these surfaces more easily, potentially leading to cavities that progress quickly if left untreated.
Preventing Further Damage To Exposed Roots
A dentist can recommend desensitising treatments, fluoride applications and suitable oral hygiene products to help protect exposed roots. If gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, treating the underlying condition is important to reduce further damage to the gums and supporting tissues.
How To Stop Gum Recession From Getting Worse
Treat Underlying Gum Disease
If gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, professional treatment is essential to control the bacterial infection and limit further damage to the gums and supporting bone. Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line and help stabilise the condition.
Improve Your Daily Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using gentle movements to clean along the gum line without damaging delicate tissue. Cleaning between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss also helps prevent plaque accumulation that can contribute to gum disease.
Protect Exposed Tooth Roots
Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor changes in gum position and identify early signs of further recession. Depending on how severe gum recession is, periodontists may advise treatments that can include fluoride applications, bonding or gum graft surgery. These treatments help to protect exposed tooth roots.