The question of whether receding gums require “fillings” often causes confusion regarding dental restoration types. While traditional fillings repair damage from tooth decay, similar tooth-colored materials are used to treat gum recession. This condition occurs when gum tissue pulls back, exposing the root surfaces beneath the protective gumline. Dentists use restorative materials, typically composite resin, in a procedure called dental bonding to shield this newly exposed area. This technique provides a protective function addressing the consequences of gum loss, though it is not a true cavity filling.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession is the progressive loss of the gingival tissue margin, uncovering the tooth’s root surface. This process is often gradual, making it difficult to detect until the tooth appears visibly longer or sensitivity begins. The condition is multifactorial, meaning various elements contribute to the loss of tissue. The most common mechanical cause is overly aggressive brushing, where excessive force or hard-bristled toothbrushes wear away the delicate gum tissue.
Underlying periodontal disease, a bacterial infection, is a significant biological contributor. This infection damages supporting structures, causing the gums to detach and migrate down the root surface. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, as some individuals have naturally thin gum tissue susceptible to recession. Once the root is exposed, two main issues arise: heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli, and greater vulnerability to decay. The root surface (cementum and dentin) is softer than the protective enamel covering the crown.
Addressing Exposed Roots with Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive technique addressing exposed tooth roots without replacing lost gum tissue. The procedure uses a tooth-colored material, typically composite resin or glass ionomer cement, to cover the exposed root surface. The dentist carefully applies and sculpts the material to blend with the tooth’s natural contour, then hardens it with a special light.
The primary purpose of bonding is twofold: reducing dentin hypersensitivity and providing a protective barrier against decay and abrasion. Exposed root surfaces contain microscopic tubules leading directly to the nerve; covering them insulates the tooth, significantly reducing pain from temperature changes. The resin also shields the soft root surface from brushing trauma and chemical exposure, helping prevent root decay. Bonding is recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate recession, localized sensitivity, or small defects, offering a quick, less costly alternative to surgery.
Gum Grafting: The Definitive Solution
When recession is severe, widespread, or involves significant aesthetic concerns, surgical gum grafting is the definitive treatment option. The goal is to physically replace the lost gum tissue, fully cover the exposed root surface, and halt the progression of tissue loss. This procedure is typically performed by a periodontist, a dental specialist focused on gum health.
Types of Gum Grafts
- Connective Tissue Graft: Tissue is harvested from beneath a flap on the roof of the mouth and placed over the exposed root. This method is highly effective for root coverage and aesthetic results.
- Free Gingival Graft: A small layer of tissue is taken directly from the palate to thicken naturally thin gum tissue, increasing resilience against future recession.
- Allografts: Processed donor tissue is used as a substitute for the patient’s own tissue, avoiding a second surgical site on the palate.
- Pedicle Graft: Gum tissue is gently moved from an area adjacent to the recession site to cover the root, provided the neighboring tissue is sufficiently thick and healthy.
Regardless of the type, successful grafting restores the natural seal around the tooth. This provides long-term protection from sensitivity and decay that bonding alone cannot achieve in advanced cases.
Preventing Further Recession
Treatment for gum recession must be paired with adjustments to daily habits to ensure long-term stability. A fundamental change involves modifying brushing technique, moving away from aggressive, horizontal scrubbing motions. Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric brush with a pressure sensor, applying gentle, circular, or short vertical strokes angled towards the gumline.
Addressing underlying factors is equally important for prevention. If recession is linked to clenching or grinding (bruxism), a custom-fitted night guard can mitigate destructive forces on the gums. Periodontal disease must be managed through professional deep cleanings, called scaling and root planing, to remove hardened plaque below the gumline. Regular dental checkups allow professionals to monitor the gumline and identify subtle signs of further recession.