Commonly Asked Questions About Gum Recession

What is periodontal plastic surgery?

Patients may look older than their years because their teeth appear too long. Soft tissue grafts and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots and make teeth look much better.

When gum tissue recedes due to overzealous toothbrushing and teeth become very cold sensitive, periodontal plastic surgery may help protect you from further loss of gum or may re-cover the exposed roots to eliminate or reduce sensitivity.

Root surfaces that become exposed can leave you at risk for developing cavities on the root which are more aggressive and damaging to the tooth. Root decay is harder to stop and treat than decay on enamel surfaces.

Sometimes bone and gum tissue is lost due to extractions and accidents which can result in indentations in the gums and jawbone. Ridge augmentation procedures can be performed to restore lost tissue.