Gingival recession occurs for many reasons. The main reason is considered to be brushing too hard or with too hard a brush. Many other reasons can contribute to recession and may be considered in the treatment plan suggested.
When gum recedes, bone is also lost. When viewing a skeleton on halloween, bone is seen holding the teeth in place. This bone is located just under the gum and if the gum recedes so does the bone.
Several surgical procedures have been developed to replace receded gum and to help prevent more bone being lost in the recession process.
At the consultation procedure, each situation is evaluated for treatment options. A few examples are shown below.
The Connective Tissue Graft
Before grafting, note gum recession
After gingival grafting
The Free Soft Tissue Graft
Another type of gingival graft shown to the right, the free gingival
graft, is used to repair some areas. This graft, which is not really
"free", uses epithelial tissue and is a bit more like a skin graft. As
this graft heals, it has a slightly whiter appearance which blends in
over years of healing. But sometimes, this procedure provides a better
solution, many times in younger patients.
