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Periodontics Education

Receding Gums: Causes and Treatment Options

Learn why gums recede, when gum recession needs treatment, and how gum grafting may help protect exposed roots.

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Receding Gums: Causes and Treatment Options from NOVA Implant & Perio Specialists

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Quick Answer

What Patients Need to Know

Gum recession happens when the gumline moves away from the tooth, exposing more of the root surface. It can be caused by periodontal disease, thin gum tissue, aggressive brushing, bite forces, tobacco use, or tooth position.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Some patients need monitoring and hygiene changes, while others may benefit from gum grafting to protect exposed roots and improve tissue support.

Key Points

Recession can expose sensitive root surfaces.
Thin gum tissue can increase risk.
Periodontal disease can contribute to recession.
Gum grafting may improve tissue coverage and support.
Early evaluation helps prevent worsening recession.

Why Gums Recede

Gum recession can develop gradually. Patients may notice teeth looking longer, root sensitivity, dark spaces near the gumline, or notches near the roots. The cause is not always one factor.

A periodontist evaluates gum thickness, bone support, brushing habits, bite forces, tooth position, and signs of inflammation before recommending treatment.

Periodontal disease
Thin gum tissue
Aggressive brushing
Tooth position
Clenching or bite trauma

When Gum Grafting Is Considered

Gum grafting may be recommended when recession threatens root coverage, causes sensitivity, makes hygiene difficult, or creates a higher risk for future tissue breakdown.

The goal is to improve the quality or amount of gum tissue around the tooth and protect the root surface when appropriate.

Monitoring and Prevention

Not every recession area needs surgery immediately. Some areas can be monitored with careful cleaning, less abrasive brushing, bite management, and periodontal maintenance.

Related Procedures

Treatment Options Connected to This Topic

These procedure pages explain the clinical services that may be discussed during your periodontal evaluation.

Gum Grafting

Restoring receded gum tissue to protect teeth roots and improve the smile.

Periodontal Maintenance

Ongoing professional care to keep gum disease under control after active treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline and treat gum disease.

Esthetic Crown Lengthening

Reshaping gum tissue to create a more balanced, beautiful smile.

Northern Virginia Periodontal Education

Care Across 4 Locations

NOVA Implant & Perio Specialists provides periodontal and dental implant specialty care in Sterling, Leesburg, Aldie, and Winchester. Education pages help patients prepare, but the right plan depends on a specialist evaluation with Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche and the periodontal team.

Sterling, VA

(703) 444-4377

Leesburg, VA

(571) 291-2596

Aldie, VA

(703) 327-2200

Winchester, VA

(540) 668-4867

Receding Gums FAQs

Answers to common questions about this periodontics topic.

Can receding gums grow back?

Gum tissue usually does not grow back on its own. Gum grafting may be considered when coverage or tissue support is needed.

Is gum recession always caused by gum disease?

No. Gum disease is one cause, but thin tissue, brushing habits, tooth position, and bite forces can also contribute.

When should I see a periodontist for recession?

Schedule an evaluation if recession is worsening, roots are sensitive, teeth look longer, or your dentist has concerns about tissue support.

Ready to Discuss Your Gum Health?

Request an appointment to review your gum pockets, bone support, recession, bleeding, treatment options, and maintenance needs with the specialty team.

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