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U N D E R S T A N D I N G

G U M R E C E S S I O N

This is for general information only and does not replace professional advice.

View this information as a pdf by clicking the image below.

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

G U M R E C E S S I O N

Healthy gums help protect the bone that supports your teeth. When gums become damaged or

unhealthy, they can recede, exposing the tooth root and causing sensitivity, cleaning

difficulties, and changes to your smile.

V I E W

A S

P D F

F I N D

O U T

M O R E

Find out more information about Dr Fergus by clicking the button below.

Hi, I’m Fergus.

I work extensively in the field of periodontology and help patients improve their gum health through education, managing complex gum disease and treating issues such as gum recession.

I have a track record of excellent outcomes, and look forward to working with you to manage your periodontitis.

DR FERGUS MACHIN

A B O U T

W H A T D O H E A L T H Y

G U M S L O O K L I K E ?

Healthy gums are an important part of a healthy smile. They should:

G U M D I S E A S E S Y M P T O M S

S E L F - R E F E R

Refer yourself to Fergus by using the button below.

Be pink, brown, or black in colour, depending on your natural skin tone and ethnicity

Feel firm and fit snugly around your teeth

Have a smooth, scalloped shape around each tooth

Not bleed when you brush, clean between your teeth, or when your dentist or hygienist examines them

HEALTHY GUMS

RECEDING GUMS

Gums may look redder or darker than usual

Become swollen, puffy or tender

Bleed when brushing, flossing or during a dental examination

Cause persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste

Begin to pull away from the teeth, making them appear longer

R E C E D I N G G U M S

Sometimes the gums can shrink back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This may happen because of:

Gum disease

Orthodontic treatment, such as braces

Brushing too vigorously

Healing following successful gum disease treatment

Gum disease does not always cause pain. Many people have gum disease without any discomfort, particularly in its early stages. Regular dental examinations can identify any problems before they become more serious.

I M P O R T A N T

T R E A T I N G G U M R E C E S S I O N

The most appropriate treatment depends on the cause of your gum recession and how much gum tissue has been lost.

M O N I T O R I N G

Some areas of gum recession simply need to be monitored with regular dental examinations.

C O S M E T I C T R E A T M E N T

Where appropriate, exposed roots can sometimes be disguised using tooth-coloured fillings or gum-coloured materials to improve appearance.

G U M G R A F T I N G

If the recession is causing sensitivity, making teeth difficult to clean, or is continuing to worsen, a gum graft may be recommended. This procedure aims to strengthen the gums, protect exposed roots and, in some cases, improve the appearance of the gums.

B O N E G R A F T I N G

Where gum disease has caused loss of the supporting bone around the teeth, bone grafting may sometimes be recommended.

C A N R E C E D I N G G U M S G R O W B A C K ?

Receded gums do not usually grow back naturally. However, treatment can stop further recession, improve gum health, and in some cases, gum grafting can restore lost gum tissue and cover exposed roots.

Once your gums are healthy, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Before considering any procedure to replace or improve the appearance of the gums, it is important to make sure your gum health is stable. This may involve:

Treating any gum disease

Improving your brushing and cleaning routine

Regular appointments with your dentist and/or hygienist

G U M G R A F T I N G

W H A T I S G U M G R A F T I N G ?

Gum grafting (also called soft tissue grafting) is a procedure used to replace or reinforce lost gum tissue around the teeth.

A I M S O F T R E A T M E N T :

Protect exposed roots

Strengthen gum tissue

Improve cleaning

Reduce sensitivity

Reduce further recession

Improve your smile

Healthy gums and good oral hygiene give your graft the best chance of healing successfully.

T Y P E S O F G U M G R A F T

The type of gum graft recommended will depend on your individual needs.

C O N N E C T I V E T I S S U E G R A F T ( T U N N E L T E C H N I Q U E )

The most common type of gum graft. A small piece of tissue is taken from beneath the roof of your mouth and placed under the gum to cover exposed roots and strengthen the gum.

A small piece of gum is taken from the roof of your mouth and placed where extra firm gum tissue is needed. This helps strengthen the gums rather than cover exposed roots.

T H E G U M G R A F T I N G P R O C E D U R E

The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic.

The gum tissue is gently lifted to make space for the grafting material.

The graft is placed beneath the gum and secured to support healing.

The gum is stitched into place to help it heal.

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Recovery following gum grafting is usually straightforward, although healing times vary from person to person.

I S T H E T R E A T M E N T P A I N F U L ?

W H A T D O E S R E C O V E R Y L O O K L I K E ?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Some mild discomfort, swelling or sensitivity afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days with recommended pain relief.

D A Y 1 - 2

Mild discomfort , swelling and tenderness are normal
Some patients notice slight bruising or sensitivity around the treated area
Any discomfort can usually be managed with pain relief recommended by your dentist
You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 - 48 hours

T H E

F I R S T

1 - 2

W E E K S

The gums will begin to heal and the graft will gradually integrate with the surrounding tissue
You may need to avoid brushing directly over the treated area for a short period and use prescribed mouthwash instead
Soft foods are usually recommended while the area is healing
If non-dissolving stitches are used these are usually removed after 1 - 2 weeks

A F T E R

2 - 6

W E E K S

Most of the initial healing will have taken place
Any swelling or tenderness should have settled
The gum tissue will begin to look and feel more natural

L O N G -

T E R M

H E A L I N G

3 - 6

M O N T H S

Although the area may look healed after a few weeks, the gums continue to mature and strengthen over several months
Final results are often assessed around 3 - 6 months after treatment

W H E N C A N I R E T U R N

T O N O R M A L A C T I V I T I E S ?

H O W S U C C E S S F U L I S G U M G R A F T I N G ?

Most patients can return to work and normal daily activities the following day, although you may prefer to take a day or two to rest if the procedure was extensive.

Gum grafting is a well-established procedure with high success rates when aftercare is followed and good oral hygiene is maintained. Regular dental reviews help support the best possible outcome.

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