Do your teeth look longer than before, or do you feel a sharp twinge when drinking something cold? You may have receding gums. Recession doesn't recover on its own, but in many cases it can be corrected with a gum graft, a simple microsurgery that protects the root and improves the look of your smile.
Why do gums recede?
Gum recession exposes the tooth root, which isn't protected by enamel. The most common causes are:
- Aggressive brushing or using a hard brush.
- Periodontal disease, which destroys bone and gum.
- Bruxism: clenching puts the gum under a lot of pressure.
- Poorly controlled orthodontics or teeth pushed far outwards.
- Naturally thin gums.
- Lip or tongue piercings rubbing against the gum.
What problems does it cause?
- Sensitivity to cold, heat or brushing.
- Root decay, as the root is softer than enamel.
- Aesthetics: teeth that look longer and an uneven gum line.
- If it progresses, loose teeth.
What is a gum graft?
It's a microsurgery in which a small piece of tissue is taken from another area of the mouth, usually the palate, and placed on the affected area to cover the exposed root and thicken the gum.
Before a graft, the cause needs to be controlled: if there's gum disease, it's treated first; if brushing is aggressive, we teach you a gentler technique; if there's bruxism, we protect it with a night guard.
What the procedure involves
- Assessment: we evaluate how much root is exposed and the gum thickness to know what result is possible.
- Local anaesthetic at the recipient site and the palate.
- Harvesting the graft from the palate.
- Placing the tissue over the root and stitching with very fine sutures.
It usually takes around an hour, depending on how many teeth are treated.
Benefits of treatment
- Aesthetics: improves the smile by levelling the gum line.
- Health: protects the tooth root and reduces sensitivity.
- Prevention: a thicker gum slows further recession.
Recovery
Recovery is usually quick. It's normal to feel discomfort at the donor site (palate) for the first few days, but it heals soon. Some tips:
- Eat soft, cold or lukewarm food for a few days.
- Don't brush the graft area until we tell you; use the mouthwash we prescribe.
- Avoid pulling your lip to look at the area: the stitches need rest.
- Don't smoke: tobacco compromises graft healing.
Stitches are removed after 1–2 weeks and the final result is visible within a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Do receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Recession can be stopped, but covering the root requires a graft.
Does a gum graft hurt?
Not during the procedure, thanks to local anaesthetic. Afterwards the palate is what you notice most, for a few days.
Can several teeth be treated at once?
Yes, in many cases several neighbouring teeth are treated in the same procedure.
