Noticing your teeth look longer than they used to? You may be experiencing gum recession, a common dental condition that affects millions of Americans. Understanding how to fix receding gums is essential for protecting your oral health and preventing further damage. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, root decay, and even tooth loss.

The good news is that modern dentistry offers several effective treatment options for gum recession, ranging from non-surgical approaches to advanced surgical procedures. The right solution depends on the severity of your recession, the underlying cause, and your overall oral health goals.

Understanding Gum Recession: Causes and Warning Signs

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This process often happens gradually, making it easy to overlook until significant damage has occurred. Recognizing the causes of receding gums helps you take preventive action and seek timely treatment.

Common Causes of Gum Recession

Several factors contribute to gum recession. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the leading cause, as bacterial infections destroy gum tissue and the supporting bone structure. Aggressive tooth brushing can also wear away enamel and irritate gum tissue over time. Other contributing factors include genetics, hormonal changes, tobacco use, teeth grinding, and misaligned teeth that create uneven pressure on the gums.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Early detection is crucial for successful gum recession treatment. Watch for teeth that appear longer than normal, visible tooth roots, increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, notches felt near the gum line, and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental evaluation promptly.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Mild Recession

For patients with mild gum recession, non-surgical treatments can effectively halt the progression and protect exposed tooth surfaces. These conservative approaches focus on addressing the underlying causes while promoting natural gum health.

Surgical Treatment Options for Moderate to Severe Recession

When gum recession progresses beyond what conservative treatments can address, gum graft surgery and other surgical interventions become necessary. These procedures restore lost gum tissue and protect your teeth from further damage.

• Connective tissue graft: The most common gum grafting procedure, this technique takes tissue from under a flap in the roof of your mouth and stitches it over the exposed root.
• Free gingival graft: Similar to connective tissue grafts but takes tissue directly from the palate, ideal for patients who need to thicken thin gums.
• Pedicle graft: Uses gum tissue from adjacent teeth, rotating it over the recession site while keeping one edge attached for blood supply.
• Pinhole surgical technique: A minimally invasive option that repositions existing gum tissue through tiny holes without cutting or sutures.
• Regenerative procedures: Combines grafting with proteins or membranes that stimulate natural bone and tissue regeneration.

Understanding Gum Recession Treatment Costs

The cost of gum recession treatment varies based on the type of procedure, the number of teeth affected, and your geographic location. Understanding these costs helps you plan for your treatment and explore financing options.

Preventing Further Gum Recession

Whether you’ve already undergone gum recession treatment or want to prevent recession from occurring, adopting proper oral hygiene habits is essential. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth, and consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.

Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and catch early signs of recession before they progress. If you grind your teeth, wearing a custom night guard protects both your teeth and gums from excessive pressure. Quitting tobacco use significantly reduces your risk of gum disease and supports overall oral health.

Grin and Bear It No More: Restore Your Gum Health With Newport Smile

Living with receding gums doesn’t have to be your reality. Whether you need non-surgical intervention, gum graft surgery, or advanced regenerative treatment, the compassionate team at Newport Smile is ready to help you reclaim your healthy, confident smile.

Don’t wait until gum recession causes irreversible damage to your teeth and jawbone. Contact Newport Smile today to schedule your comprehensive gum health evaluation. Our experienced periodontal specialists will assess your condition and explain all available treatment options, and create a personalized plan to restore your gum tissue. Your healthier smile starts with a single call.

FAQs

• Can receding gums grow back naturally?

Unfortunately, gum tissue cannot regenerate on its own once it has receded. Unlike other body tissues, gums do not have the ability to grow back naturally. However, professional treatments like gum grafting and the pinhole surgical technique can effectively restore lost gum tissue and protect exposed tooth roots from further damage.

• How painful is gum graft surgery?

Most patients report that gum graft surgery is less painful than they anticipated. Local anesthesia ensures you feel no pain during the procedure, and postoperative discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. The donor site on the roof of the mouth may feel sore for a week or two, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

• How long does it take for gum grafts to heal?

Initial healing from gum graft surgery typically takes one to two weeks, during which you’ll follow a soft food diet and avoid brushing the surgical site. Complete healing and integration of the grafted tissue usually occurs within four to eight weeks. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.

• Does dental insurance cover gum recession treatment?

Many dental insurance plans cover gum recession treatment, particularly when it’s deemed medically necessary to prevent tooth loss or treat periodontal disease. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80% of the procedure cost after deductibles. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits, as coverage varies significantly between plans.

• What happens if receding gums are left untreated?

Untreated gum recession progressively worsens over time, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, root decay, and potential tooth loss. As more root surface becomes exposed, bacteria can attack the softer root material more easily than enamel. Eventually, the supporting bone structure may deteriorate, compromising the stability of affected teeth and requiring more extensive treatment.