Receding Gums: Causes and Treatment Options
Franklin & Marlborough
 Receding gums are one of the most common periodontal concerns we treat at Periodontal Specialists in Franklin and Marlborough, MA. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth gradually pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth root than normal. This can lead to increased sensitivity, a longer appearance of the teeth, and – if left untreated – a higher risk of decay, infection, and eventual tooth loss. Whether your recession is mild or advanced, our periodontal team offers a range of treatment options designed to protect your teeth and restore your gumline.
Many patients first notice receding gums when a tooth starts to look “longer” than it used to or when they feel a notch near the gumline with their tongue. Others experience sharp sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Because gum recession typically develops gradually, it is easy to overlook until the condition has already progressed. That is why early evaluation by a periodontist is so important.
At our Franklin and Marlborough offices, we see patients at every stage of gum recession. Some need only monitoring and conservative care, while others benefit from gum graft surgery to rebuild the tissue that has been lost. Our approach begins with a thorough assessment so we can recommend the treatment path that is best for your specific situation.
Table of Contents
What Causes Receding Gums?
 Gum recession can result from a single factor or a combination of causes. Understanding what is driving the recession is an essential first step, because the most effective treatment depends on addressing the underlying issue alongside repairing the tissue.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of gum recession. When bacterial infection damages the gum tissue and the bone beneath it, the gums gradually separate from the teeth and recede. Patients with untreated periodontitis often experience recession across multiple teeth, and the tissue loss tends to worsen over time without professional intervention.
Aggressive or improper brushing is another frequent contributor. Brushing with excessive force, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or scrubbing in a horizontal motion can physically wear away gum tissue over years, even in mouths that are otherwise healthy. This type of recession often appears on the outer surfaces of the upper teeth.
Other common causes include genetics (some people are naturally predisposed to thinner gum tissue), teeth grinding or clenching, misaligned teeth or bite issues that place uneven pressure on certain areas, tobacco use, hormonal changes, and previous orthodontic treatment. In many cases, more than one factor is involved. During your evaluation in Franklin or Marlborough, our team will identify the likely causes contributing to your recession so that your treatment plan addresses the full picture.
Warning Signs of Gum Recession
Gum recession does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, common signs include teeth that appear longer than they once did, a visible notch or groove near the gumline, increased sensitivity to temperature or sweets, a change in the way your teeth look when you smile, and in more advanced cases, looseness or shifting of the affected teeth. If you notice any of these changes, scheduling an evaluation sooner rather than later gives you the best range of treatment options.
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
The right treatment for gum recession depends on the cause, the severity of the tissue loss, and your overall periodontal health. At Periodontal Specialists, we offer a full range of options, from conservative management to surgical gum tissue restoration.
Nonsurgical Management
For mild recession that is not causing significant symptoms or structural concerns, conservative approaches may be sufficient. These can include improving brushing technique to prevent further tissue loss, using a desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride application to reduce root sensitivity, and addressing contributing factors like teeth grinding with a nightguard. If gum disease is present, nonsurgical periodontal treatment such as scaling and root planing is typically the first step to control the infection before considering any tissue repair.
Gum Graft Surgery
When recession has progressed to the point where the exposed root is at risk of decay, the tooth’s long-term stability is compromised, or the appearance is a significant concern, gum graft surgery is the most effective and predictable treatment. Gum grafting involves placing new tissue over the exposed root area to rebuild the gumline, protect the tooth, and restore a more natural appearance. Several graft techniques are available, and our periodontists select the approach best suited to your anatomy and goals.
Types of Gum Grafts
The three primary types of gum graft procedures are connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts. A connective tissue graft uses tissue taken from beneath a small flap in the roof of the mouth and is the most commonly performed technique. A free gingival graft takes tissue directly from the palate and is often used when the existing gum tissue is especially thin and needs to be thickened. A pedicle graft rotates tissue from the gum immediately adjacent to the recession site and is an option when there is adequate tissue next to the affected tooth. Your periodontist will recommend the technique that offers the best outcome for your specific case.
The Gum Grafting Process
If gum graft surgery is recommended, understanding the steps involved can help ease any apprehension and allow you to plan your schedule around the procedure. Our team walks you through every detail during your consultation.
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Consultation and Evaluation – Your first visit includes a comprehensive periodontal assessment. We measure the extent of recession at each affected tooth, evaluate the thickness and health of the surrounding tissue, and review any imaging needed to assess the bone beneath. We discuss which graft technique is best for your situation and answer all of your questions.
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Anesthesia and Preparation – On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb both the treatment site and the donor site (if tissue is being taken from the palate). The area is completely comfortable before the procedure begins.
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Tissue Harvesting and Placement – Depending on the technique selected, a small piece of tissue is either taken from the roof of the mouth or repositioned from the area adjacent to the recession. The graft tissue is carefully placed over the exposed root surface and secured with fine sutures.
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Healing and Aftercare – Initial healing takes approximately one to two weeks, during which you follow a soft diet and specific aftercare instructions. A follow-up visit is scheduled to monitor healing and remove sutures. Full tissue integration and maturation typically occurs over four to eight weeks.
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Long-Term Results – Once healed, the grafted tissue becomes a permanent part of your gumline. The exposed root is covered, sensitivity is reduced, and the tooth has renewed protection against decay and further recession. |
The in-office procedure usually takes one to two hours, depending on how many teeth are being treated. Most patients return to light daily activities within a day or two, with a gradual return to a normal diet over the following week.
Benefits of Treating Gum Recession
 Addressing gum recession – whether through conservative care or gum graft surgery – offers meaningful improvements to your comfort, oral health, and confidence in your smile.
- Reduces Tooth Sensitivity – Exposed tooth roots lack the protective enamel that covers the crown of the tooth, making them highly susceptible to temperature and pressure sensitivity. Covering the root with grafted tissue significantly reduces or eliminates this discomfort.
- Protects Against Root Decay – Root surfaces are softer than enamel and more vulnerable to cavities. Restoring gum coverage over the root reduces this risk and helps protect the long-term integrity of the tooth.
- Prevents Further Recession – Without treatment, gum recession tends to progress over time. Treating the condition early stops further tissue loss and stabilizes the gumline.
- Improves Smile Appearance – Uneven or receded gums can make teeth look disproportionately long and create an asymmetrical smile. Gum graft surgery restores a more natural, balanced gumline.
- Supports Tooth Stability – In advanced cases, recession can weaken the support around a tooth. Rebuilding the gum tissue – and addressing any underlying gum disease – helps keep teeth stable and functional.
Many of our patients tell us they wish they had sought treatment sooner, because the improvement in both comfort and appearance is often more significant than they expected.
Why Choose Our Periodontal Team for Gum Recession Treatment
Gum recession treatment – especially gum graft surgery – requires precision, a thorough understanding of soft tissue biology, and a gentle surgical approach. At Periodontal Specialists, periodontal care is all we do. Our periodontists have advanced training specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of gum tissue conditions, giving them the focused expertise that recession cases require.
We perform gum grafting procedures regularly across our Franklin and Marlborough offices and have experience with all major graft techniques. Whether your case involves a single tooth or several areas of recession, we plan each procedure with attention to both the clinical outcome and the cosmetic result. A successful gum graft should not only protect the tooth but also look natural and blend seamlessly with the surrounding tissue.
Coordination with your general dentist is an important part of our process. We communicate directly with referring offices to make sure your overall care plan is aligned. If your recession is related to periodontal disease, we ensure the infection is fully under control before performing any grafting so the new tissue has the best chance of long-term success.
Our team also recognizes that many patients feel nervous about periodontal procedures. We explain every step in advance, check in with you throughout the appointment, and provide thorough aftercare guidance so you feel supported from start to finish.
Gum Recession Treatment Cost and Financing
The cost of gum recession treatment varies depending on the type of treatment recommended, the number of teeth involved, and the graft technique used. Conservative management is typically less costly, while gum graft surgery involves a greater investment that reflects the surgical skill and materials required. We provide a personalized cost estimate during your consultation.
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for gum graft surgery when it is performed to treat a functional concern, such as protecting an exposed root from decay or addressing recession caused by periodontal disease. Coverage amounts vary. Our team will help you verify your benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket responsibility before treatment begins.
For patients seeking additional flexibility, financing options are available to help spread the cost of care over time. We want to make sure that financial considerations do not delay the treatment your gums need to stay healthy.
Schedule Your Gum Recession Consultation
If you have noticed signs of gum recession or have been told your gums are pulling away from your teeth, our team at Periodontal Specialists can help. We will evaluate the extent of your recession, identify contributing factors, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Our Franklin office is located at 38 Pond St #207, Franklin, MA 02038, and our Marlborough office is at 126 Union Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. Call us today at (774) 613-6009 or visit our website to request an appointment and take the first step toward protecting your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes receding gums?
Gum recession can be caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, tobacco use, hormonal changes, or a combination of factors. Gum disease is the most common cause and should be treated before any gum tissue repair is attempted.
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Once gum tissue has receded, it does not regenerate on its own. However, professional treatment – including gum graft surgery – can rebuild the tissue and restore coverage over the exposed root. Early intervention provides the best results.
Is gum graft surgery a comfortable procedure?
Yes. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients find it more comfortable than anticipated. Some mild tenderness at the graft and donor sites is normal for a few days afterward and is typically well managed with over-the-counter medication and a soft diet.
How long does it take to recover from gum graft surgery?
Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks, during which a soft diet is recommended. Most patients resume light daily activities within a day or two. Full tissue maturation and integration of the graft occurs over approximately four to eight weeks.
How do I know if I need treatment for receding gums?
If you notice that your teeth appear longer than before, feel a notch or groove near the gumline, experience increased sensitivity, or see visible root exposure, you should schedule an evaluation with a periodontist. Not all recession requires surgical treatment, but early assessment allows your periodontist to recommend the best approach.
Does dental insurance cover gum graft surgery?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for gum graft surgery when it is performed to address a functional or medical concern. Cosmetic-only cases may not be covered. Our team can help verify your specific benefits and provide an estimate. Financing options are also available.
What is the difference between a periodontist and a general dentist for gum recession treatment?
A periodontist is a dental specialist with additional years of training focused specifically on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. While a general dentist can identify gum recession, a periodontist has the advanced surgical training to perform gum graft procedures with a high level of precision and predictability.
Can I prevent gum recession from getting worse?
Yes. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle technique, maintaining consistent oral hygiene, treating gum disease promptly, wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth, and keeping up with regular dental and periodontal checkups can all help slow or prevent further recession.
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