Receding Gums Treatment: How to Restore Your Gum Line

Receding gums do not grow back on their own, but several effective treatments can restore the gum line, protect exposed tooth roots, and prevent further recession. The right treatment depends on the severity of the recession, its underlying cause, and the patient’s overall oral health. This guide covers the full range of options, from conservative approaches to surgical procedures.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For mild gum recession that is not causing significant symptoms, non-surgical approaches may be sufficient to stop progression and protect the teeth.

Professional Dental Cleaning

If gum recession is caused by or accompanied by periodontal disease, professional cleaning is the first step. Removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line halts the bacterial infection that drives recession. Regular cleanings every three to six months help prevent recurrence.

Scaling and Root Planing

For recession associated with periodontitis, deep cleaning through scaling and root planing is often necessary. This procedure removes bacterial deposits from deep pockets and smooths the root surfaces to encourage gum tissue reattachment. Many patients see improvement in gum health and a slowing or stopping of recession after this treatment.

Desensitizing Agents and Bonding

When the primary concern is sensitivity from exposed roots, dentists can apply desensitizing agents such as fluoride varnish or oxalate compounds to reduce discomfort. In cases where there is a noticeable notch at the gum line, tooth-colored composite resin can be bonded over the exposed root to protect it from decay and reduce sensitivity.

Orthodontic Treatment

In cases where gum tissue interferes with the smile or healing, a frenectomy may also be recommended to remove restrictive tissue attachments. In some cases, misaligned teeth contribute to gum recession by creating uneven bite forces. Orthodontic correction can redistribute these forces more evenly, slowing or preventing further recession. This approach works best when combined with other treatments to address existing recession.

Night Guards for Bruxism

If teeth grinding or clenching is contributing to recession, a custom-fitted night guard can protect the teeth and gums from excessive force during sleep. This does not reverse existing recession but is an important part of preventing further damage.

Surgical Treatments

When recession is moderate to severe, surgical intervention is typically needed to restore the gum line and protect the teeth from further damage.

Connective Tissue Graft

The connective tissue graft is the most commonly performed and most predictable gum grafting procedure. During this treatment:

A flap of tissue is created on the roof of the mouth (palate)
A piece of connective tissue is removed from beneath the flap
The tissue is stitched over the area of recession on the affected tooth
The palatal flap is closed with sutures

This procedure provides excellent root coverage and creates a natural-looking result. Success rates for root coverage with connective tissue grafts range from 80% to 99% depending on the degree of recession and the skill of the surgeon.

Free Gingival Graft

A free gingival graft involves taking a piece of tissue directly from the surface of the palate and attaching it to the area of recession. This procedure is often used when the patient has very thin gum tissue and needs additional tissue bulk to prevent future recession. The result may not match the surrounding tissue color as closely as a connective tissue graft.

Pedicle (Lateral) Graft

In this technique, tissue is borrowed from the gum adjacent to the receded area. A flap of tissue is partially cut and rotated to cover the exposed root. This procedure can only be used when there is sufficient gum tissue next to the affected tooth.

Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft

For patients who prefer to avoid harvesting tissue from their own palate, acellular dermal matrix (a processed human donor tissue) can be used as the graft material. This eliminates the need for a second surgical site and reduces post-operative discomfort. Clinical results are comparable to autogenous grafts in many situations.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting. The procedure involves:

Making a small pinhole in the gum tissue above the area of recession
Using specialized instruments to gently loosen and reposition the gum tissue over the exposed root
Placing collagen strips through the pinhole to stabilize the tissue in its new position

This technique requires no incisions, no sutures, and no tissue harvesting from the palate. Recovery is typically faster than with traditional grafting, and multiple teeth can be treated in a single session.

What to Expect During Recovery

After Non-Surgical Treatment

Recovery from scaling and root planing involves mild sensitivity and soreness for a few days. Patients can return to normal activities immediately and should follow gentle brushing techniques with a soft-bristled brush.

After Gum Grafting Surgery

Discomfort at both the graft site and the palate donor site for several days to one week
Swelling that typically peaks at 48 hours and resolves within a week
Soft food diet for one to two weeks
Avoidance of brushing and flossing the surgical area until cleared by the surgeon
Full healing of the graft takes two to three months
Final results become apparent after six months

After Pinhole Surgery

Minimal to no discomfort in most cases
Little to no swelling
Return to normal eating within 24 to 48 hours
Avoidance of vigorous brushing in the treated area for several weeks

Preventing Further Recession After Treatment

Successful treatment addresses existing recession, but preventing recurrence is equally important.

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle pressure when brushing
Use proper brushing technique with short, circular strokes
Maintain daily flossing with a gentle technique
Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth
Quit smoking or using tobacco products
Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings
Address any bite alignment issues through orthodontic evaluation

At Serenity International Dental Clinic, our team offers the full spectrum of gum recession treatments, from conservative desensitizing therapies to advanced surgical grafting. We evaluate each patient’s specific situation and recommend the approach most likely to achieve lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a gum graft last?

With proper care and maintenance, gum grafts can last a lifetime. However, the underlying cause of recession must be addressed to prevent the graft from failing over time.

Is gum graft surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is not painful during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. The palate donor site tends to be the most uncomfortable area during recovery.

How much does gum recession treatment cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of procedure and the number of teeth involved. Non-surgical treatments are generally less expensive than surgical options. A consultation with your dentist can provide an accurate estimate based on your specific needs.

Can I treat receding gums at home?

Home remedies cannot reverse gum recession. However, you can prevent further recession by improving your brushing technique, using a soft toothbrush, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and addressing risk factors like bruxism and tobacco use.

How many teeth can be treated at once?

With traditional grafting, one to three teeth are typically treated per session. The pinhole surgical technique allows treatment of multiple teeth in a single appointment, often an entire arch.

Receding Gums: Symptoms and Causes — Understand what causes recession before exploring treatments
Gum Disease: Causes and Stages — The most common underlying cause of gum recession
7 Signs You Have Gum Disease and Don’t Know It — The early signs of periodontal disease that lead to recession if left untreated
Treatment of Gum Disease — Broader periodontal treatment options including gum grafts
Deep Scaling and Root Planing — Non-surgical treatment often performed before grafting
Hypersensitive Teeth — Managing sensitivity caused by exposed root surfaces
Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity — Clinical options for sensitivity relief after recession
Gummy Smile Surgery — Another gum tissue procedure performed by our periodontal team
5 Best Ways to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity — Home remedies alongside professional treatment

Gum Treatment at Picasso Dental Clinic — Periodontal treatment, deep scaling, frenectomy, and gummy smile surgery