The causes of gum recession are that thin, fragile tissues vary and may be described as:
    a. Prominent Roots of the Teeth
    b. Muscle Attachments
    c. Associated with Orthodontic Treatment
    d. Trauma (physical damage) to the Gums

The treatments for gingival recession vary depending on the amount of recession, the type, the cause and also the expected outcome of the treatment. Certain periodontal plastic surgery procedures can create thick tissue which will stop further recession.The plastic surgery procedures are:

a. The Free Gingival Graft
It is a procedure where a thin piece of gum tissue is removed from the roof of the patient’s mouth and transplanted to another site in order to create thick tough tissue or “attached gingiva”.
In some cases, this type of gum graft can only prevent further recession, which is all that is necessary to keep the tooth or teeth healthy. In other cases, this type of gum graft can partially or almost completely cover previously existing recession.

b. The Lateral Graft
Also called a “pedicle” graft since the gum tissue is raised from the area immediately lateral, or adjacent, to the area of recession. 

c. The Sub-Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft (”Sub-Epi Graft”)
This is a procedure that is designed to:

1. Cover Recession - When there is not enough thick tissue next to an area of recession and a lateral graft can’t be done, the “Sub-Epi” graft can be done. This usually uses a piece of gum tissue taken from the roof of the mouth but from under the superficial, surface gum tissue. An option, in some cases, is to use a “man-made” membrane instead of taking any tissue from the roof of the mouth.

In the surgical procedure, the gum tissue or “man-made” membrane is placed over the root of the tooth. A flap of gum tissue is raised from the base of the recession in order to cover the gum tissue or membrane. This creates the potential to create healthy, tough tissue and also create a better cosmetic result.

2. Reconstruct Areas of Bone Loss or Bone Reabsorption - When some of the upper front teeth are removed there may be the excessive loss of bone from where the tooth came out. This can leave an unsightly, or even ugly “depression” in the gum tissue. Too often, when a “dummy” tooth is replaced into the mouth, this “depression” requires the “dummy” or replacement tooth to be too long and unsightly. Before the replacement tooth is to be made, the “Sub-epi” graft should be done in order to reconstruct this deformed area. The result will be a more natural looking tooth and a happier smilegum.

Ask our experts at Fountain Square Cosmetic Dental Group about the proper treatment for you.