Gum Recession Treatment
Coverage of exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession using a gum graft. Reduce sensitivity, protect your teeth, and restore the aesthetics of your smile.
Protect Your Gum Health and Tissue Balance with Gum Recession Treatment
Gum recession is not just an aesthetic concern; it can lead to problems such as sensitivity due to exposed root surfaces, discomfort during brushing, root cavity risk, and imbalance in the gum line. The cause of recession may be related to different factors such as incorrect brushing habits, teeth clenching, gum diseases, thin gum structure, or traumatic forces. For this reason, treatment should be planned not only for the visible recession but also according to the underlying cause.
The cause of recession (aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, bruxism, thin biotype) is identified. Tissue thickness, root exposure level, and the extent of recession are measured.
If gum disease is present, curettage and scaling are performed first. If bruxism is a factor, a night guard is planned. Treating the cause prevents recurrence after grafting.
A thin tissue sample from the palate is transplanted to the recession area to cover the exposed root surface. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with precision.
The graft site is monitored for proper integration. Once healed, additional aesthetic treatments such as bonding or veneers can be coordinated if desired.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession is a condition where the gum gradually pulls back over time, exposing the tooth root surface. This can occur on one or multiple teeth. While in some patients it only creates an aesthetic difference, in others it can progress with problems such as sensitivity, wear on the root surface, discomfort during brushing, and irregularity in the gum line. The necessity for treatment is determined based on the extent and cause of recession.
Incorrect brushing habits, gum diseases, teeth clenching, traumatic bite, thin gum structure, and certain oral habits can contribute to recession.
Generally, no. Examination is needed to stop the progression of recession and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
No. Treatment varies according to the degree of recession, its cause, gum structure, and overall oral health.
Determine the Right Treatment Approach with a Detailed Evaluation
The most important aspect of gum recession is looking not only at the appearance of the recession but also at its cause and tissue structure. Because while the main issue in some patients is incorrect brushing, in other cases a periodontal problem, clenching habit, or tissue insufficiency may be more decisive. For this reason, the detailed evaluation performed before treatment is of great importance for long-term success.
- The level and extent of gum recession are examined.
- Tissue thickness and gum health are evaluated.
- Sensitivity, root surface exposure, and aesthetic needs are analyzed.
- Custom planning is done according to the factors causing the recession.
Why Do Gums Recede?
Gum recession can have multiple causes. Among the most common causes are aggressive (hard) brushing, periodontal disease (gum inflammation and bone loss), incorrect dental floss use, teeth clenching and grinding habits, and thin biotype (genetically thin gum structure).
During orthodontic treatment, moving teeth too quickly or beyond bone boundaries can also contribute to gum recession. For this reason, gum thickness and bone support are taken into consideration in Invisalign or braces planning.
What Happens If Left Untreated?
When gums recede, the root surface is exposed. Since there is no enamel layer on the root surface, sensitivity increases (reaction to cold, hot, sweet). The risk of cavity development on the exposed root surface also rises; if these cavities progress, they may require fillings or root canal treatment. If recession continues, the bone support of the tooth weakens and in advanced cases tooth extraction may be necessary.
Gum Recession Treatment and Pink Aesthetics
The most common method for treating gum recession is a free gingival graft or connective tissue graft. A thin tissue sample taken from the palate is transplanted to the recession area to cover the root surface. As part of pink aesthetic treatment, gum recession correction is an important step in improving the smile line.
If there is active gum disease before treatment, infection is first brought under control with curettage and dental scaling. If bruxism is present, teeth are protected with a night guard; otherwise, excessive clenching forces can cause recession to recur.
For aesthetic concerns in the front area related to gum recession, graft treatment can be combined with laminate veneers or bonding to achieve smile integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled the questions we receive about this treatment and answered them as openly and transparently as possible.
Because it can affect not only the aesthetic appearance but also the root surface, sensitivity, and the long-term health of the tissues surrounding the tooth.
Depending on the cause, it can progress. For this reason, early evaluation and appropriate care habits are important.
Yes. When the root surface is exposed, sensitivity to hot, cold, or brushing can occur.
No. Hard or incorrect brushing can be one of the important causes; however, gum diseases, teeth clenching, and structural factors can also be effective.
In some patients, different treatment options can be considered from both aesthetic and periodontal perspectives. Suitability is determined after examination.
Treatment should be evaluated if there is sensitivity, aesthetic discomfort, progression risk, root surface exposure, or conditions affecting gum health.
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Content Information
This page was prepared by the Dore Medical Editorial Board and medically reviewed by Dr. Merve Özkan Akagündüz, DDS, MSc.
