Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth’s surface or root. This common issue causes sensitivity and increases the risk of decay on the unprotected root surface. While recession often affects multiple teeth, it can be isolated to a single tooth. Dental science offers both preventive measures and restorative procedures to halt the process and repair the lost tissue.
Understanding Single-Tooth Recession
Recession isolated to one tooth often stems from a mechanical or anatomical cause rather than generalized gum disease. The most frequent culprit is mechanical trauma, typically from overly aggressive or horizontal toothbrushing using a hard-bristled brush. This action physically wears down the delicate gum tissue over time, causing recession only where the force is concentrated.
The physical position of a tooth can also be a significant factor. A misaligned, crowded, or protruding tooth may have a naturally thinner layer of gum tissue, making it more susceptible to recession even with normal brushing. Furthermore, excessive biting force from clenching or grinding (bruxism) can place stress on the supporting structures, contributing to gum and bone loss. Other localized factors include trauma from poor flossing technique or constant irritation from an oral piercing.
Stopping Further Recession Through At-Home Changes
The immediate step to manage gum recession is eliminating habits that cause it to progress. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush equipped with a pressure sensor to prevent physical abrasion. Proper technique involves gentle, circular or short vertical strokes, avoiding forceful back-and-forth scrubbing.
When brushing, focus on cleaning the tooth surface and the gum line without applying pressure directly into the gum tissue. If you clench or grind your teeth, consult a dentist about a custom-fitted night guard to mitigate the damaging forces of bruxism. Flossing must be done gently, using a ‘C’ shape around the tooth and avoiding snapping the floss forcefully against the gums. Regular professional cleanings are also necessary to monitor the recession and address underlying plaque or tartar buildup.
Dental Procedures That Restore Gum Tissue
Professional intervention is necessary when the exposed root causes sensitivity or risks the tooth’s structure.
Non-Surgical Treatment and Root Coverage
If a bacterial infection contributes to the recession, the initial non-surgical treatment is scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning procedure removes hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gum line. This process smooths the root surface, reduces inflammation, and creates an environment where the gum tissue can potentially reattach to the tooth.
For instances of minor root exposure, a dentist may apply dental bonding or a composite filling material to the exposed surface. This tooth-colored material covers the sensitive area and provides a physical barrier against decay. This approach is helpful for reducing sensitivity and protecting the root when gum tissue restoration is not immediately feasible or necessary.
Surgical Gum Grafting Options
The definitive treatment for restoring the gum line is a surgical gum graft performed by a periodontist. The connective tissue graft is the traditional method, involving taking a small piece of tissue from beneath a flap on the roof of the mouth. This tissue is sutured over the exposed root. This technique is considered the gold standard because it strengthens the surrounding tissue and prevents further recession.
Other grafting techniques are also available. The free gingival graft uses tissue taken directly from the palate, often employed when the existing gum tissue is very thin and needs thickening. Alternatively, a pedicle graft involves partially cutting and sliding gum tissue adjacent to the affected tooth over the exposed root, which is possible only if there is sufficient healthy tissue nearby.
A newer, less invasive option is the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST). This technique uses specialized instruments inserted through a tiny pinhole to gently loosen and reposition the existing gum tissue downward over the exposed root. The tissue is secured with collagen strips instead of traditional stitches. This technique offers a less painful recovery and can treat multiple teeth at once, providing an effective alternative to traditional grafting. Consulting with a specialist determines the best procedure for your specific case.