Currently Accepting New Patients

Periodontal Problems: Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when gum tissue wears away, exposing more of the tooth at the root. This may cause increased sensitivity, particularly when consuming hot or cold foods. Understanding the meaning of gum recession is helpful for planning intervention and treatment.

Because gum recession tends to happen slowly, many people do not realize it is happening to them. If left untreated, gum recession could eventually lead to tooth loss.

A gum graft is a type of dental surgery perform to correct the effects of gum recession. It is a quick and relatively simple surgery in which a periodontist removes healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and uses it to rebuild the gum back up where it has receded. This article will detail the considerations with the surgery as well as common gum graft failure symptoms.

gum recession meaning

Gum Recession Causes

Gum recession takes place when the gum tissue moves away from the teeth. It can expose the tooth roots. This often leads to sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and sometimes even tooth loss.

Recession has many causes:

  • Gum disease
  • Brushing too hard
  • Grinding or clenching teeth
  • Smoking
  • Poor dental care
  • Age or genetics

If your gums pull back far enough, you may need gum surgery for recession. This is when a dentist or periodontist places new tissue to rebuild your gumline.

Remedying Gum Recession: Gum Graft Surgery

Gum grafting involves repositioning or transplanting healthy tissue to areas where the gums have worn away. Sometimes, the donor tissue is harvest from the roof of your mouth. Other times, it’s source from another nearby spot or taken from donor material. Either way, the goal remains the same: rebuild the gums, cover exposed roots, and help teeth stay healthy and secure.

Some people choose to have a gum graft for cosmetic reasons, such as to have a better smile, while for others, a gum graft is necessary to protect the exposed tooth from damage and repair any damage already done.

gum surgery for recession

Types of Gum Graft Surgery

There are three types of gum grafts that can help improve your oral health:

  1. Free Gingival Grafts: In this procedure, gum tissue is added to increase the amount of attached gingiva. This is use for patients who have delicate gums and need additional tissue to prevent increased recession.

  2. Connective Tissue Grafts: This technique is commonly used to treat gum recession. A flap of tissue is lift from the palate, and connective tissue beneath the flap is remove and then stitch to the gum area around the exposed tooth root. The flap on the palate is then suture back into place.

  3. Pedicle Grafts: In this method, tissue is not taken from the palate. Instead, gum tissue is taken from the area adjacent to the expose tooth root. This tissue (called a pedicle) is partially cut, rotate, or slid over the expose root, and then sutured in place.

Gum Graft Failure Symptoms

Patients should typically begin feeling better a few days after surgery. If you’re noticing a delayed recovery, something may be wrong. The following are some gum graft failure symptoms to watch for:

  • Pain That Gets Worse

Pain should go down with time. If it remains constant or gets worse, the graft may not be healing.

  • Gums Still Look Receded

If your gums still look low or pull back again, the graft might not have worked.

  • Bleeding

A little bleeding right after surgery is normal. But if you keep seeing blood, even days later, it could be a sign of trouble.

gum graft failure

  • Graft Tissue Looks Loose

If the tissue starts to peel off or hang loose, it means it didn’t attach as planned.

  • Swelling That Doesn’t Go Away

Swelling should go down in a few days. If it lasts more than a week, it may be best to get a consultation.

  • Signs of Infection

Watch for pus, bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, or even fever. These are signs that the graft may be infect.

  • Tooth Sensitivity

If your teeth feel cold or hurt when you drink, the roots may still be expose. This can mean the graft didn’t take.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a gum disease specialist. They can examine your case and suggest an appropriate course of action.

Why Grafts Fail

Several things can cause a graft to fail:

  • Poor blood supply to the graft site
  • Moving or brushing the area too soon
  • Infection
  • Smoking
  • Teeth grinding
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Uncontrolled gum disease

Sometimes it’s no one’s fault. Healing is different for each person. But knowing the risks can help you avoid them.

What Happens If a Graft Fails

If a graft doesn’t work, your dentist will check the area and decide what to do next. In some cases, you may need another surgery. If the tissue appears healthy, they may allow it to heal longer before making a decision.

Second attempts often succeed, especially if the cause of the first failure is found and fix. If gum disease is present, it will need treatment before another graft. If you grind your teeth, a night guard may help.

Tips for Post-Surgery Care

For the first two weeks after your procedure, it is recommend that you follow a soft food diet. Eating your food cold rather than hot is also a great way to prevent any complications from occurring post-surgery. It is important to remember that it takes about a week or two for your mouth to fully heal, but you can resume your everyday activities the day after your surgery. 

Treating Gum Recession in Time

Gum recession can often progress into issues with severe and long-lasting consequences for oral health. That’s why it is necessary to identify warning signs and seek appropriate treatment, such as a gum graft surgery. An experienced periodontist can guide you through the process and help you identify gum graft failure symptoms.

At Periodontal Specialists, our expert team provides advanced gum treatments using the latest techniques and technology. With years of focused experience in oral health care, our periodontal dentists deliver personalized treatment plans that restore gum health and help prevent future complications.

Remember, gum graft surgery is an effective solution to root exposure; however, it is no excuse to neglect an impeccable oral health routine. Schedule an appointment with us to develop a hygiene routine for long-term success.

Drop by the nearest center today!