Gum Recession Treatment

Gum recession is the gradual pulling back of the gum tissue, resulting in exposure of the tooth root surface. Under normal conditions, the gums cover the junction between the crown and root of the tooth (the cemento-enamel junction). When recession occurs, this boundary becomes exposed and the root surface becomes visible.

There may be multiple causes of gum recession. Aggressive tooth brushing is one of the most common causes, and many patients are unaware of it. Periodontal disease (gum disease and bone loss), bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), improper flossing technique, thin gum biotype (genetic predisposition), traumatic bite relationships, and certain orthodontic treatment complications are also contributing factors.

Gum recession usually progresses slowly and may reach an advanced stage before the patient notices it. For this reason, gum levels should be monitored during regular dental check-ups, and opportunities for early intervention should not be missed.

No. Receded gum tissue does not grow back on its own. Once gum tissue has receded, it will not return to its original position without treatment. This makes gum recession a condition that should be taken seriously.

The most important thing that can be done without surgery is stopping the progression of the recession: correcting brushing technique, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a night guard if bruxism is present, and treating periodontal disease can help slow or stop progression.

However, covering exposed root surfaces generally requires gum graft treatment. With graft procedures, the root surface may be covered, sensitivity reduced, and the gum line restored. At Doredent, the severity of the recession, its underlying cause, and possible treatment options are evaluated in detail during the first examination.

A gum graft is a procedure in which tissue taken from another area (usually the palate) is transplanted to the recessed area. It is performed under local anaesthesia and is usually completed in a single appointment.

The procedure generally involves the following steps: first, the treatment area is prepared and the root surface is cleaned; then, an appropriately sized graft is taken from the palate; the graft is placed over the recessed area and secured with fine sutures. Over time, the graft integrates with the recipient site and blends with the surrounding gum tissue.

At Doredent, gum graft procedures are performed by a periodontology specialist. The type of graft used (free gingival graft or connective tissue graft) is determined according to the clinical needs of the case. Connective tissue grafts usually provide better colour matching aesthetically and are often preferred for front teeth.

Because local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, pain is not felt during treatment. Most postoperative discomfort usually comes not from the grafted area itself, but from the palate donor site where the graft tissue was taken.

A superficial wound forms on the palate, and patients may experience sensitivity, stinging sensations, and discomfort while eating for several weeks. This is usually most noticeable during the first week and gradually improves over time. Pain medications prescribed by the dentist generally make this process manageable. The palate usually heals within 2–3 weeks.

Discomfort in the grafted area itself is generally milder. Mild swelling and sensitivity during the first few days are considered normal. Most patients report that the experience is less severe than they expected. Cold compresses, soft foods, and following postoperative instructions carefully help make healing easier.

With a successful graft procedure and proper postoperative care, the results are generally long-lasting. Once the graft integrates with the surrounding gum tissue, the covered root surface remains protected permanently.

However, long-term stability depends directly on the patient’s oral care habits. If the underlying cause of the recession is not corrected, recession may recur either around the grafted area or in other teeth. Continued aggressive brushing, uncontrolled bruxism, or untreated periodontal disease may all increase the risk of future recession.

For this reason, Doredent approaches gum graft treatment not only as a surgical procedure, but as a comprehensive, cause-focused treatment plan: proper brushing techniques are taught, a night guard may be recommended for bruxism, and if periodontal disease is present, curettage treatment is usually performed first.

No. Not every case of gum recession requires graft treatment. If the recession is very mild, stable, does not cause sensitivity, and does not create aesthetic concerns, monitoring alone may be sufficient.

Graft treatment is generally recommended when sensitivity affects daily life, the risk of root decay is high, recession is progressing, aesthetic concerns are significant, gum preparation is needed before restorative treatment, or preventive gum thickening is desired in patients with thin gum tissue.

In some mild cases, recession may be managed without surgery using desensitising toothpaste, fluoride treatment, and correcting brushing techniques. At Doredent, treatment decisions are made following a detailed periodontal evaluation, and unnecessary procedures are avoided.

This depends on the severity and type of the recession. Complete root coverage cannot be achieved in every case, and realistic expectation management is extremely important.

In periodontal literature, gum recession is commonly classified according to the Miller classification system. In Class I and II recession cases (where bone support between the teeth is preserved), complete or near-complete root coverage can often be achieved. In Class III cases (where bone loss between the teeth has started), partial coverage is expected. In Class IV cases (advanced bone loss), root coverage is usually very limited.

At Doredent, the recession classification is evaluated before treatment, and the expected results are explained honestly to the patient. Even in cases where complete coverage cannot be achieved, patients are informed that partial coverage may still provide significant benefits in reducing sensitivity and increasing gum thickness.

Yes. Aggressive brushing is one of the most common and underestimated causes of gum recession. Many patients unintentionally damage their gums while thinking they are cleaning their teeth more effectively.

Using hard-bristled toothbrushes, applying excessive pressure, brushing with horizontal back-and-forth movements, and failing to brush gently around the gum line may all lead to gradual gum recession over time. This effect is especially pronounced in individuals with thin gum biotypes.

Proper brushing technique includes using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brushing gently with circular or rounded motions, and carefully cleaning along the gum line without excessive force. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors may also help prevent aggressive brushing. At Doredent, patients are individually instructed on proper brushing techniques after gum recession treatment.

The surgical procedure itself usually takes between 60–90 minutes. The exact duration depends on the number of teeth being treated, the severity of the recession, and the type of graft used. Single-tooth graft procedures are generally shorter, while multiple-tooth procedures take longer.

The healing timeline is generally as follows: sutures are removed after 7–10 days, the palate donor site heals within 2–3 weeks, complete healing in the graft area usually takes 4–6 weeks, and the aesthetic result becomes largely stable after approximately 3 months.

If restorative treatments such as veneers or crowns are planned in the treated area, these procedures are usually performed only after the gums have fully healed (approximately 4–6 weeks). At Doredent, the treatment process, number of appointments, and expected healing timeline are explained clearly during the initial consultation.