Why Do Gums Recede?

Gums may recede for a variety of reasons including: aggressive tooth brushing, excessive biting forces and periodontal disease. Prior to treatment your periodontist can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once the root of the problem is controlled, a soft tissue graft (gum graft) is done to cover the exposed roots. The gum graft will also “thicken” the gum in order to provide better protection against future gum recession. The procedure requires the periodontist to take a small piece of gum tissue from your existing tissue (autogenous) or from a donor bank (allograft). This tissue is then transferred to the receded gum area to cover the exposed root(s) and stabilize the teeth.

We perform this procedure using minimally invasive instruments. With these dental tools, your gums do not have to be cut open. Rather the gum tissue is slightly loosened and the gum graft material is slid underneath your existing gum tissue. A few thin sutures are placed for safety and to prevent movement of the graft. These sutures are removed in 3-4 weeks depending on the healing of the tissue graft.

Frequently Asked Questions