What Causes Gums to Recede?
Gum recession usually develops slowly, and many people do not notice it until their teeth become sensitive or look longer. Understanding the cause helps us stop it from getting worse. Gum recession commonly comes from the following.
- Gum disease, which destroys the tissue and bone that support the teeth
- Brushing too hard or with a hard bristled toothbrush
- Clenching or grinding the teeth, which puts extra force on the teeth and gums
- Thin or fragile gum tissue, which can run in families
- Tobacco use
- Teeth that are crowded, crooked, or out of position
- Past injury to the gums
Signs Your Gums May Be Receding
Because recession is gradual, it helps to know what to look for. Please schedule an exam if you notice any of the following.
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Exposed tooth roots, which often look darker or more yellow than the crown
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A notch or groove near the gumline
- Gums that look uneven from one tooth to the next
- Pain or tenderness near the gumline
Why Treating Gum Recession Matters
A gum graft can change both how your mouth feels and how your smile looks. Patients commonly appreciate these benefits.
- To reduce sensitivity caused by exposed roots
- To protect roots from decay and wear
- To help stop recession from getting worse
- To protect the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth
- To improve the look of a gum line that is uneven or receded
Benefits of Gum Grafting
Receded gums are more than a cosmetic concern. Tooth roots do not have the hard enamel that protects the rest of the tooth, so they are more vulnerable to decay, wear, and sensitivity. If recession continues, it can lead to loss of bone and, eventually, loose teeth. Treating it early protects your teeth and helps keep treatment simpler. The reasons to treat recession include the following.
- Covers exposed roots. The graft tissue restores protection to roots that are no longer covered by gum.
- Reduces sensitivity. Covering roots can make hot and cold foods more comfortable.
- Helps stop further recession. Stronger, thicker gum tissue is more resistant to further damage.
- Protects against decay. Covered roots are less likely to develop cavities.
- Improves your smile. A more even gum line can make teeth look balanced and healthy.
- Supports long term tooth health. Healthy gums help keep your teeth firmly in place.
From Consultation to Healing, Your Gum Grafting Journey
Gum grafting follows a clear plan, and we explain each step so you know what to expect. Treatment is planned carefully to give the graft the best chance of healing well. Here is what to expect.
01
Evaluation and Measurements
We examine your gums, measure how far they have receded, check the thickness of your gum tissue, and take digital X-rays.
02
Treating the Cause First
If gum disease, grinding, or brushing habits are contributing to recession, we address them so the graft is protected.
03
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
We explain where the graft tissue will come from, how many teeth are involved, the timeline, and your estimated costs.
04
Numbing the Area
Local anesthetic is used so you stay comfortable during the procedure.
05
Placing and Securing the Graft
Tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or from gum tissue near the tooth and stitched into the area that needs repair.
06
Healing and Follow Up
We give you written aftercare instructions and schedule follow up visits to check your healing and remove stitches if needed.
Where the Graft Tissue Comes From
Gum grafts use your own tissue, which helps the body accept the graft and heal well. The tissue can come from one of two places. Our team will explain which is best for your situation.
- The roof of the mouth. A small piece of tissue is taken from the palate and stitched into the area that needs repair.
- Gum tissue near the tooth. In some cases, tissue from next to the area of recession can be used to repair it.
The area where the tissue is taken heals over time, and we will tell you what to expect during recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is an option for patients whose recession is causing problems or is at risk of getting worse. An exam tells us whether a graft is the right choice. You may be a candidate if any of these situations apply.
- You have gum recession with exposed roots
- You have sensitivity at the gumline that does not improve with other measures
- Your recession is getting worse over time
- You have thin gum tissue that is at risk of further recession
- You want to improve the look of an uneven or receded gum line
- You have healthy gums otherwise, or your gum disease has been treated first
If gum disease is causing your recession, we treat the disease first with options such as scaling and root planing, so the graft has a healthy base. For patients with a mild amount of recession, we may recommend monitoring it with regular visits.
Understanding Gum Grafting Costs and Coverage
Many patients want to understand costs before they begin, and we are happy to explain. The cost depends on the number of areas being treated and the type of graft. Dental plans often cover gum grafting when it is needed to treat recession or protect the roots, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary, and some plans treat cosmetic grafting differently. Our team will review your benefits, explain your options, and give you a clear estimate before treatment begins. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Protect Your Roots and Rebuild a Healthy Gum Line
Receded gums rarely improve without treatment, and early care can prevent sensitivity, decay, and further tissue loss. A gum graft can restore protection to your roots and a more even look to your smile. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to examine your gums and explain your options. Schedule your gum grafting consultation today.
Book Your Gum Grafting ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a procedure that treats root exposure caused by receded gum tissue. Tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or from gum tissue near the tooth and stitched into the area that needs repair. The graft covers exposed roots, reduces sensitivity, and helps protect your teeth from further recession. Our team will tell you if a graft is the right option after an exam.
Gums recede for several reasons, including gum disease, brushing too hard, clenching or grinding, thin gum tissue, tobacco use, and teeth that are crowded or out of position. Often more than one factor is involved. Finding the cause is an important part of treatment, since a graft is more likely to last when the cause is addressed. During your exam, we will look for what is contributing to your recession.
Gum tissue does not grow back on its own once it has receded. Good home care and treating gum disease can help stop recession from getting worse. When roots are exposed or recession is progressing, a gum graft can replace the lost tissue and cover the roots. Early evaluation gives you the most options.
Most patients are comfortable during the procedure because local anesthetic numbs the area. Afterward, you may have tenderness and swelling at the graft site, and at the area where tissue was taken if it came from the roof of the mouth. This usually improves over several days and can be managed with the instructions our team gives you. Let us know if you have more pain than expected.
The tissue comes from your own mouth, either from the roof of the mouth or from gum tissue near the tooth being treated. Using your own tissue helps the body accept the graft and heal well. We will explain which source is best for your case and what to expect at that site during healing.
Many patients return to normal activities within a day or two, while the graft continues healing over several weeks. During this time, you will eat soft foods, avoid brushing the graft area, and keep the site clean as our team directs. We will schedule follow up visits to check your healing and remove stitches if needed. Full healing can take longer than the first few weeks.
A graft can make the gum tissue thicker and more resistant to further recession, but results depend on addressing the underlying cause. If gum disease, grinding, or heavy brushing contributed to the recession, treating those factors helps protect your graft. Regular checkups and good home care are important for keeping your results long term. We will explain what you can do to protect your gums.
Many dental plans cover gum grafting when it is needed to treat recession or protect exposed roots, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. Some plans treat grafting done for cosmetic reasons differently. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your costs before treatment begins. You can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
