Gingival Recession Treatment

Your gums do more than frame your smile. They protect your teeth, anchor them in place, and act as a barrier against bacteria that would otherwise cause serious damage. When they start to recede, that protection erodes quietly over time, often without any pain until things have already progressed. If you have noticed your teeth looking longer, felt a sudden twinge of sensitivity, or spotted an uneven gumline in the mirror, your body is sending you a signal worth listening to. 

Gingival recession is one of the most common issues we treat at Gasper Periodontics & Implant Surgery, and with the right approach, it is very treatable. 

What is Gingival Recession?

Gingival recession happens when the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth begins to pull back, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes the root beneath it. This is not just a cosmetic issue. When the roots of your teeth become exposed, they lose the protective covering that your gums normally provide. That leaves them vulnerable to bacteria, decay, and the kind of sensitivity that makes eating and drinking uncomfortable.

Several things can cause recession, including:

• Brushing too aggressively over many years
• Periodontal (gum) disease that has not been treated
• Genetics that make your gum tissue naturally thin or fragile
• Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
• Orthodontic movement that shifts teeth beyond the bone
• Tobacco use, which reduces healthy blood flow to the gums

No matter the cause, a proper evaluation will help identify what is driving the recession and what can be done to stop it.

Who is a Good Candidate for Gingival Recession Treatment?

Most people who have noticeable recession are candidates for some form of treatment. The best way to know for sure is to get a consultation, but here are some common signs that treatment may be needed:

• Your teeth appear longer, or your gumline looks uneven
• You experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• You can see or feel the root of one or more teeth
• You have been told you have gum disease and have recession as a result
• You are concerned about how your smile looks and want a more balanced appearance

Age is not a barrier to treatment. We regularly help patients in their 20s and 30s who are just starting to notice changes, as well as patients in their 60s and 70s who want to protect what they have. What matters most is the current health of your gums, the degree of recession, and your overall oral health.

If you have active gum disease, Dr. Gasper will typically address that first before moving forward with grafting or other corrective procedures. Treating the source of the problem ensures that any repair we make has the best chance of lasting.

Gingival Recession Treatment Options

There is no single solution that fits every patient. The right treatment depends on how much recession has occurred, which teeth are affected, and what the goals of treatment are. 

Below are different surgical approaches that may be offered:

Connective Tissue Graft (CTG)

This is the most widely used grafting technique. A small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and placed over the exposed root. It integrates with your existing gum tissue and, over time, provides a durable, natural-looking result. Recovery is typically very manageable, and most patients find that the outcome is well worth it.

Free Gingival Graft (FGG)

This technique also uses tissue from the palate, but instead of taking only the deeper connective layer, a thin strip of surface tissue is grafted directly onto the recession area. It is particularly useful when the goal is to thicken the gum tissue and create a more stable foundation around the tooth, especially in areas that take a lot of wear.

Pedicle Graft 

When there is sufficient healthy gum tissue adjacent to the area of recession, we can rotate or slide that tissue over to cover the exposed root. This avoids the need for a second surgical site altogether, which many patients appreciate.

Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a scalpel-free, suture-free approach that requires only a tiny opening in the gum. Through that small access point, specialized instruments are used to loosen the gum tissue and gently reposition it to cover the exposed root. Multiple teeth can be treated in a single visit, and most patients experience minimal swelling and a much faster recovery compared to traditional grafting. However, not all patients are candidates for this time of procedure. 

Alloderm and Tissue Bank Grafts

For patients who prefer not to have a second surgical site at the palate, we can use processed donor tissue as an alternative graft material. Alloderm is a purified, acellular matrix derived from donated human tissue. It integrates well with your own tissue and eliminates the need for palate harvesting entirely. This is a great option for those who want a simpler recovery. However, not all patients are candidates for this time of procedure. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you have noticed changes in your gumline or are experiencing sensitivity, do not wait to get it evaluated. Gingival recession tends to progress gradually, and the earlier we catch it, the simpler the treatment is likely to be.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you protect your smile and your long-term oral health.