Noticing that your teeth look a little longer than they used to can be unsettling. It is also one of the most common concerns patients bring to us. Gum recession, also called gingival recession, was once considered an unavoidable part of getting older. It is not. Modern dentistry offers several ways to treat it, most of them without surgery, and knowing the full menu of options usually takes most of the worry out of the conversation.
What gum recession is, and what causes it
Gum recession is exactly what it sounds like: gum tissue pulling back and exposing more of the tooth, or in advanced cases the root. The gaps this creates give bacteria an easy place to collect, which can lead to infection and gum disease. That is why recession is worth treating even before it hurts.
Age plays a part, but it is rarely the whole story. Tobacco use, grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, hormone spikes, and a home care routine that is not quite doing its job can all contribute. That list is quietly good news, because most of those causes can be addressed. We look at the causes side more closely in our post on what to do when receding gums make you hide your smile.
The non-surgical route comes first
For most patients, treatment starts with the gentlest option there is: regular professional cleanings. Routine visits keep your smile clean and healthy, and they give us the chance to spot and address the problems that lead to recession, like excessive bruxism (the clinical name for teeth grinding), before they do more damage. Our periodontal therapy page describes what those visits involve.
The other half of the non-surgical plan happens at home. You can partner with us to build a comprehensive home care routine suited to your gums, one designed to help reduce further recession. Nothing about that step requires a numb lip or a lecture. It is simply you and your dentist agreeing on a plan.
Gingival grafting, for cases that need more
For more severe recession, gingival grafting is available. Surgery is a heavy word, especially for anxious patients, so here is the plain version: a small piece of gum tissue is attached over the area of recession, covering the exposed root and restoring the natural line of your gums. The tissue usually comes from your hard palate, the bony area behind your upper teeth, though donated tissue can be used instead.
A graft does several jobs at once. It can prevent further recession, stabilize your teeth, reduce tooth sensitivity, and improve the look of your smile.
Grafting is also no longer the only surgical answer. Some patients are candidates for Chao Pinhole gum rejuvenation, which corrects recession through a pinhole-sized opening with no scalpels, no sutures, and no tissue taken from the palate.
Start with a conversation
Whichever option fits your gums, the first step is the same, and it commits you to nothing: an exam and an honest conversation about what we see. Dr. Balaban and the Smile Arts Dental team practice Fear-Less Dentistry, which means your comfort sets the pace at every step. Call (317) 575-1995 or request an appointment online, and we will help you decide which gum restoration treatment makes sense for you.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. For guidance about your own smile, talk with your dentist.