Gum recession
Gum Recession Treatment in Georgetown, DE
Receding Gums Can Affect More Than the Appearance of Your Smile
Do your teeth look longer than they used to? Can you see part of the tooth root near your gumline? Have certain teeth suddenly become more sensitive?
These can all be signs of gum recession.
At Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, our periodontal team evaluates receding gums to determine why recession has occurred and whether treatment may help protect your teeth, roots and surrounding tissues.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession occurs when gum tissue moves away from its normal position around a tooth, exposing more of the tooth or its root surface.
Recession may affect a single tooth, several teeth or a larger area of the mouth.
Because the process can develop gradually, many people don’t recognize it immediately. You may first notice that a tooth looks longer or feels increasingly sensitive.
Signs of Receding Gums
Common signs can include:
- Teeth appearing longer
- Visible tooth roots
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Changes in the gumline
- Notches near the gumline
- Red or irritated gums
- Bleeding gums
- Spaces appearing between teeth and gums
If you’ve noticed changes around your gumline, a periodontal evaluation can help determine the extent and possible cause.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Several factors can contribute to gum recession.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease can damage the tissues and supporting structures around teeth, contributing to recession.
Aggressive Toothbrushing
Using excessive pressure or an inappropriate brushing technique may contribute to gum tissue damage over time.
Tooth Position
The position of a tooth within the jaw can influence the amount and thickness of gum tissue around it.
Naturally Thin Gum Tissue
Some people naturally have thinner gum tissue and may be more susceptible to recession.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use can negatively affect periodontal health.
Other Factors
Your bite, oral habits, previous dental treatment and other individual factors may also play a role. Determining the cause is important because the appropriate treatment depends on why the gum tissue has receded.
Why Should Gum Recession Be Treated?
Receding gums aren’t only a cosmetic concern.
The roots of your teeth aren’t covered by the same protective enamel that covers the crowns. When root surfaces become exposed, you may experience increased sensitivity and greater vulnerability in those areas.
Significant recession may also indicate an underlying periodontal problem.
Treatment is therefore focused not simply on making the gumline look different, but on protecting oral health and creating healthier conditions around the affected teeth.
How Is Gum Recession Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause, severity and location of your recession.
For mild cases, treatment may involve monitoring, addressing contributing factors and improving oral hygiene techniques.
When more significant recession is present, periodontal procedures such as gum grafting may be considered.
Your periodontist will evaluate your gums and explain which options are appropriate for your situation.
What Is a Gum Graft?
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure used in selected cases to add tissue to an area where the gum has receded or where additional tissue support is needed.
Depending on your individual condition and treatment goals, grafting may help:
- Cover or protect exposed root surfaces
- Increase tissue thickness
- Improve gumline stability
- Reduce sensitivity in some situations
- Improve the appearance of certain areas
Not every area of recession requires grafting, and not every case can be treated in exactly the same way.
A periodontal evaluation is necessary to determine the most appropriate approach.
What Happens During a Gum Recession Consultation?
Your periodontal team will evaluate:
- The location and amount of recession
- Gum tissue thickness
- Periodontal pocket depths
- Signs of inflammation or gum disease
- Tooth position
- Exposed root surfaces
- Your bite and other contributing factors
We’ll then discuss what we’ve found and whether monitoring, preventive care, periodontal treatment or grafting should be considered.
Gum Recession & Tooth Sensitivity
Exposed tooth roots can sometimes become sensitive because they don’t have the same enamel covering as the visible crown of the tooth.
If you experience sensitivity near the gumline, it’s important to determine whether recession is responsible rather than simply relying on sensitivity products without understanding the cause.
What Happens During a Gum Recession Consultation?
Your periodontal team will evaluate:
- The location and amount of recession
- Gum tissue thickness
- Periodontal pocket depths
- Signs of inflammation or gum disease
- Tooth position
- Exposed root surfaces
- Your bite and other contributing factors
We’ll then discuss what we’ve found and whether monitoring, preventive care, periodontal treatment or grafting should be considered.
Gum Recession Before & After
Real treatment examples can help patients understand what periodontal procedures may accomplish.
Why Choose Our Georgetown Periodontal Team?
Southern Delaware Dental Specialists combines periodontal specialty care with comprehensive dentistry in one Georgetown location.
This makes it easier to coordinate treatment when gum recession is connected with other dental needs.
Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause, discussing your options clearly and recommending treatment based on your individual oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession
Can receding gums grow back?
Lost gum tissue does not typically regenerate on its own in the way patients sometimes expect. However, periodontal treatment may help manage the condition, and grafting may be an option in appropriate cases.
Does gum recession always require surgery?
No. Treatment depends on the cause, severity and risk of progression. Some cases may be monitored or managed without surgical treatment.
Can brushing too hard cause gum recession?
Aggressive brushing can contribute to gum tissue damage in some people. Your dental team can help you improve brushing technique and recommend appropriate oral hygiene products.
Is gum recession caused by gum disease?
Periodontal disease is one possible cause, but recession can occur for several reasons. An evaluation is necessary to identify contributing factors.
What is gum graft surgery?
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure in which tissue is added to selected areas where additional gum coverage or thickness is needed.
Can gum recession cause sensitivity?
Yes. When the root surface becomes exposed, some patients experience sensitivity to temperature or touch.
Testimonials
What Our Patients Say
Your Healthier Smile Starts Here
Concerned About Receding Gums?
Don’t wait until more of the root becomes exposed before asking about the changes you’re noticing.
Our Georgetown periodontal team can evaluate your gumline, identify potential causes and help you understand whether treatment is recommended.
