Gum recession affects millions of Americans, yet many people don’t realize they have this condition until their dentist points it out during a routine visit. When your gum tissue pulls back from your teeth, it exposes more of the tooth surface and can lead to sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss if left untreated. The good news is that modern gum grafting techniques can restore your gum line and protect your oral health for years to come.
At Skale Dental Professionals, we’ve helped countless patients address gum recession through advanced grafting procedures. With our father-son team of Dr. Darryl and Dr. Ryan Skale, plus our in-house Board Certified Periodontist, Dr. Weiting Ho, we provide comprehensive periodontal care in our state-of-the-art Northbrook facility. Our family approach ensures you receive personalized treatment that addresses your specific needs while maintaining the comfort and care that has made us a trusted name in the North Shore community for over 40 years.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Several factors contribute to gum recession, and understanding these causes helps prevent further damage to your gums. Aggressive brushing ranks as one of the most common culprits, as scrubbing too hard with a stiff-bristled toothbrush gradually wears away delicate gum tissue.
Many patients don’t realize they’re brushing with too much force until recession has already begun. Periodontal disease represents another major cause of gum recession. When bacteria accumulate along the gum line, they create toxins that inflame and destroy gum tissue. This inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria can collect. Research shows 50% of people between the ages of 18 and 64 experience gum recession, making it one of the most prevalent dental conditions.
Genetics also play a significant role in determining your susceptibility to gum recession. Some people inherit thinner gum tissue that recedes more easily, regardless of their oral hygiene habits. Teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, and even tongue or lip piercings can create pressure that gradually pushes gums away from teeth over time.
Signs You May Need Gum Grafting
Recognizing the early warning signs of gum recession can help you seek treatment before the condition becomes severe. Tooth sensitivity often serves as the first indicator that gum recession has begun.
Early Warning Signs
When gums recede, they expose the tooth root, which lacks the protective enamel covering found on the crown portion of your teeth. This exposure allows hot, cold, and acidic substances to reach nerve endings, causing sharp pain or discomfort. Visual changes in your gum line provide another clear sign of recession.
You might notice that your teeth appear longer than before, or that the yellow-colored root surface becomes visible near the gum line. Some patients report that their smile looks different, with gaps appearing between teeth and gums where none existed previously.
When Grafting Becomes Necessary
Gum grafting becomes essential when recession progresses to the point where it threatens tooth stability or causes significant discomfort. Exposed roots are vulnerable to decay because they lack enamel protection, and severe recession can compromise the foundation that holds your teeth in place.
The procedure becomes particularly important when recession affects your smile line or causes persistent sensitivity that interferes with eating and drinking. Early intervention through grafting can prevent more extensive and costly treatments later, making it both a restorative and preventive measure.
Types of Gum Grafting Procedures
Modern periodontal surgery offers several grafting techniques, each designed to address specific types and severities of gum recession. The choice of procedure depends on factors like the extent of recession, the thickness of your existing gums, and the location of the affected teeth.
Connective Tissue Grafts
This most commonly performed type of gum graft uses tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover exposed roots. Your periodontist creates a small flap in the palate, removes connective tissue from underneath, and then stitches it over the recession site. This technique provides excellent results because the tissue closely matches your existing gums in both color and texture.
The procedure typically takes about 90 minutes and can address multiple teeth during a single visit. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during recovery, and the donor site heals quickly because only a small amount of tissue is removed.
Free Gingival Grafts
For patients with thin gums who need additional tissue thickness, free gingival grafts offer an effective solution. This technique removes tissue directly from the palate surface and attaches it to the recession area. While the color match may not be as seamless as with connective tissue grafts, this method creates stronger, thicker gums that resist future recession.
Pedicle Grafts
When you have adequate gum tissue near the recession site, a pedicle graft can provide coverage without requiring tissue from another location. The surgeon creates a flap of gum tissue adjacent to the affected tooth and stretches it over to cover the exposed root. This approach works well for isolated areas of recession and typically heals faster since no secondary surgical site is created.
The Grafting Process and Recovery
Your periodontist will carefully clean the recession area and prepare the tooth root surface to encourage proper healing and attachment of the new tissue. Recovery usually takes two to three weeks for initial healing, though complete integration of the grafted tissue may take several months. During the first week, you’ll need to follow a soft food diet and avoid brushing the treated area.
Post-operative care instructions typically include:
- Eating soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and soup for the first week
- Avoiding hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical site
- Using prescribed mouth rinses to keep the area clean without disturbing the graft
- Taking pain medication as directed to manage any discomfort
- Avoiding strenuous exercise or activities that increase blood pressure
Your periodontist will provide specific post-operative instructions, including recommendations for gentle rinses and pain management. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about a week. Follow-up appointments allow your periodontist to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures when appropriate.
Schedule Your Consultation
Don’t let gum recession compromise your oral health and confidence. Our experienced team at Skale Dental Professionals can evaluate your gums and recommend the most appropriate treatment to restore your smile. With our advanced techniques and personalized care approach, we’ll help you achieve healthy gums that protect your teeth for years to come.
We understand gum recession can affect both your comfort and confidence, which is why we take time to explain your treatment options and answer all your questions. Contact us at (847) 272-1072 or schedule your consultation online to learn more about gum grafting options and take the first step toward healthier gums.