Treatment Options for Receding Gums

Once gum recession is diagnosed, the appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and the patient’s overall oral health. Treatment options for receding gums can range from simple lifestyle changes and non-invasive procedures to advanced surgical interventions.

Table of Contents

1. Professional Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

This is often the first step in treatment for receding gums caused by plaque-induced gum disease.

How It Works:

Scaling removes plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth surfaces and beneath the gumline.
Root Planing smooths the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere and helping the gums reattach to the tooth.

When It’s Used:

In early stages of gum recession
In cases where inflammation or infection is present

Pros:

Non-surgical and widely accessible
Helps reduce pocket depth and inflammation

Limitations:

Cannot regrow lost gum tissue
May need to be repeated periodically

2. Desensitizing Agents, Dental Bonding, and Composite Fillings

These are conservative options aimed at reducing sensitivity and improving the appearance of exposed roots.

Types of Treatments:

Desensitizing Agents: Applied in-office or used at home (e.g., potassium nitrate or fluoride gels) to block nerve pathways and reduce sensitivity.
Dental Bonding: A tooth colored resin is applied to cover the exposed root, protecting it and improving aesthetics.
Composite Fillings: Sometimes used in deeper recession cases where cavities form on the exposed root surface.

When It’s Used:

Mild gum recession without active gum disease
For patients with high tooth sensitivity

Pros:

Non-invasive
Quick procedure with immediate results

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Limitations:

Primarily cosmetic and palliative
Does not address the root cause of recession

3. Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces or clear aligners like Invisalign) helps correct misaligned teeth and occlusion (bite), which can put undue pressure on gums.

How It Helps:

Properly aligned teeth reduce gum stress and inflammation
Can prevent or slow down further gum recession

When It’s Used:

Recession due to malocclusion or crowded/misaligned teeth
As a preventive or adjunctive treatment

Pros:

Addresses underlying mechanical issues
May eliminate the need for surgery in the future

Limitations:

Time-consuming (may take months to years)
Does not regrow gum tissue directly

4. Gum Grafting Surgery

Gum grafting involves taking gum tissue from another area of the mouth (usually the palate) or using donor tissue to cover the exposed roots.

Types of Grafts:

Connective Tissue Graft: The most common type, using tissue from under the skin of the palate.
Free Gingival Graft: Surface tissue is taken directly from the palate and placed over the recession site.
Pedicle Graft: Tissue is taken from adjacent gum tissue near the receding area and rotated over the exposed root.

When It’s Used:

Moderate to severe recession
Cases with significant root exposure or risk of tooth loss

Pros:

Effective at restoring gum tissue
Protects roots and reduces sensitivity
Improves aesthetics

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Limitations:

Surgical procedure with recovery time
Possibility of discomfort at donor site
May require multiple sessions

5. Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)

A minimally invasive procedure where a small hole is made in the gum, and special instruments are used to loosen and reposition the existing gum tissue over the exposed roots.

How It Works:

No cutting or sutures required
Collagen strips may be placed to stabilize the gums

When It’s Used:

Patients seeking a less invasive alternative to traditional grafting
Mild to moderate gum recession

Pros:

Faster healing time
Minimal discomfort and bleeding
Can treat multiple teeth in one session

Limitations:

Not suitable for all types of gum recession
Requires specialized training and tools

6. Regenerative Procedures

Used when there is significant bone loss along with gum recession. These aim to regenerate lost bone and supporting tissue.

Types of Regenerative Materials Used:

Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): A barrier membrane is placed to encourage the growth of new bone and gum tissue.
Growth Factors and Proteins: Such as enamel matrix derivative or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which promote healing and regeneration.
Bone Grafts: Natural or synthetic bone is placed in areas of loss to encourage regrowth.

When It’s Used:

Advanced gum disease with bone and tissue destruction
As part of gum grafting procedures

Pros:

Can restore supporting structures of the tooth
Increases chances of tooth retention

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Limitations:

More complex and costly
Requires healing time and follow-up

7. Laser Therapy (LANAP – Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)

A laser is used to remove infected gum tissue, disinfect the area, and stimulate the regeneration of healthy tissue and bone.

When It’s Used:

For patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease
As a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery

Pros:

Less bleeding and discomfort
Shorter recovery time
Encourages regrowth of gum tissue

Limitations:

Not widely available
Results vary depending on disease severity

8. Medications and Topical Treatments

While not standalone cures for recession, medications can support treatment and healing.

Examples:

Antibiotic gels or mouth rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine)
Topical anti-inflammatories (e.g., corticosteroids)
Enzyme suppressants (to slow down tissue destruction)

When They’re Used:

As adjuncts to scaling and root planing
To manage gum inflammation and bacterial infection

9. AlloDerm or Xenograft Tissue Grafting

Instead of using the patient’s own tissue, commercially available graft materials made from human (AlloDerm) or animal sources (xenografts) are used.

When It’s Used:

To avoid harvesting from the palate
When treating multiple recession sites

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Pros:

Less discomfort
Suitable for multiple-site grafting

Limitations:

May not be as effective as autografts in some cases
Costlier

Choosing the Right Treatment

The choice of treatment for receding gums depends on several factors:

Factor	Consideration
Severity of Recession	Mild cases may only need conservative treatments.
Cause of Recession	Disease-driven cases need infection control first.
Patient Health	Surgical options may not suit all patients.
Aesthetic Concerns	Grafting may be needed for visible areas.
Budget and Insurance	Some treatments are more costly and less covered.