Gum Recession

Our patients frequently worry about the impact of gum recession, and the prospect of tooth loss as a result, The reality is that gum recession is  a normal phenomenon of ageing, and also the result of the cumulative effects of the trauma of tooth brushing. Some individuals do have an increased propensity to gum recession because of genetically thin gums.

The shape and thickness of gums is generally classified into a thin and thick ‘periodontal’ phenotype. The thick periodontal phenotype gum is more resistant to gum recession whereas the thinner phenotypes are less resistant to gum recession.

When gum recession is generalised as in the picture to the right, it is more challenging to correct such gum recession.

When gum recession is more localised and there is  thickness of adjacent tissues, there may be an opportunity to undertake a gum graft to thicken the gum tissues.

Your gum specialist will classify the recession defect in the context of adjacent gum and depending on the ‘Miller’s Classification’ may recommend gum grafting procedures to cover over the gum recession defects. Typically a section of gum is lifted from your palate, and this is stitched to cover over the site with the edges of the graft tucking into the thick corners of remaining tissue around the recessed area.

Ask to speak to one of our gum experts today to provide you with complete confidence on your options to manage gum recession,.

Several causes of gum recession have been identified:

1.Improper and aggressive brusing and flossing

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

3. Grinding teeth at night

4. Trauma to the gum tissues

5. Abnormal tooth position, and can be the result of orthodontics

6. Smoking

7. Genetics and ‘periodontal phenotype’