Examine and Measure the Recession
The dentist examines the gumline and measures the amount and location of tissue loss.
Gum grafting adds or repositions tissue around an area where the gumline has receded or become too thin.
Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry provides gum-recession assessments for patients in Richmond Hill. A dentist can examine the gums, identify possible causes of recession, and explain whether gum grafting, periodontal care, changes to home care, another treatment, or referral may be appropriate.
Treatment recommendations depend on gum health, tooth position, medical history, risk factors, and the amount and location of tissue loss.
Gum recession occurs when the edge of the gum moves away from its usual position around a tooth. This can expose part of the tooth root.
Unlike the crown of a tooth, the root does not have the same protective enamel covering. An exposed root may become sensitive and more vulnerable to wear or decay.
Recession may also affect the appearance, thickness, and stability of the surrounding gumline.
A dental examination can help determine why recession developed, whether it is progressing, and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Gum recession does not have one universal cause. Several factors may contribute.
Gum inflammation or periodontal disease
Aggressive brushing or use of a hard-bristled toothbrush
Naturally thin gum tissue
Tooth position or crowding
Clenching or grinding
Tobacco use
Oral piercings or repeated local irritation
Changes around previous dental treatment
Identifying the cause matters. A graft may add tissue to the area, but contributing risk factors may also require attention.
Gum grafting may be discussed when recession exposes a tooth root, contributes to sensitivity, reduces protective tissue, or affects the gumline.
Visible tooth-root exposure
Sensitivity to cold, heat, touch, or brushing
Thin tissue around a tooth
Recession that appears to be progressing
Difficulty keeping the exposed area clean
Concerns about an uneven gumline
A need for additional tissue support around a tooth or restoration
Not every area of recession requires surgery. Monitoring, brushing changes, periodontal treatment, a protective restoration, or another approach may be more suitable.
Gum grafting generally involves placing soft tissue or another clinically appropriate grafting material over or around an area with insufficient gum coverage.
The selected approach depends on the location and depth of recession, existing tissue thickness, number of teeth involved, condition of the exposed root, treatment goal, and patient health.
The treating dental professional should explain the proposed technique, expected limitations, available alternatives, and recovery requirements before treatment begins.
The assessment comes before any treatment decision.
The dentist examines the gumline and measures the amount and location of tissue loss.
The dentist checks for plaque, tartar, inflammation, and periodontal concerns.
The affected tooth, exposed root, bite, nearby tissues, and supporting bone are reviewed.
Sensitivity, brushing habits, grinding, tobacco use, tooth position, and other risk factors are discussed.
Current findings and available dental history help determine whether the area appears stable or is continuing to change.
Surgical and non-surgical options, realistic goals, expected healing, and limitations are explained.
Additional records or diagnostic imaging may be recommended when clinically necessary.
Clinical steps vary according to the selected technique and treatment area.
The treatment area is numbed before the procedure. Pressure or movement may still be noticeable even when the area is adequately numb.
The recipient area is prepared according to the planned procedure.
The selected tissue or clinically appropriate grafting material is positioned around the treatment site.
The graft is stabilized while healing begins. Sutures may be used depending on the procedure.
Instructions are provided according to the treatment performed and the patient’s health needs.
The exact technique, graft source, material, and closure method should be confirmed during treatment planning.
Early healing often occurs over the first few weeks, but the tissue continues to mature after the surface appears healed.
The timeline varies according to the grafting method, number of areas treated, patient health, oral hygiene, and how closely aftercare instructions are followed.
Follow-up visits allow the dentist to assess healing and explain when normal brushing, flossing, food choices, and physical activity may resume.
A fixed online timeline should not replace procedure-specific advice.
Patients are commonly advised to protect the graft from unnecessary pressure or movement during early healing.
Instructions may address:
Cleaning around the surgical area
Temporary brushing and flossing restrictions
Prescribed or recommended rinses
Food texture and temperature
Smoking and vaping restrictions
Physical activity
Medication use
Bleeding, swelling, discomfort, and follow-up appointments
Contact the dental clinic if symptoms worsen unexpectedly or if you are concerned about the surgical area. Do not place medication, home remedies, or pressure directly on the graft unless instructed.
A graft cannot remove every cause of gum recession. Future changes may occur when inflammation, aggressive brushing, grinding, tobacco use, tooth position, or another contributing factor continues.
Long-term protection may involve:
Gentle brushing with an appropriate toothbrush
Consistent plaque control
Periodontal maintenance when recommended
Management of clenching or grinding
Tobacco cessation
Monitoring the treated area during dental examinations
Exposed roots may become sensitive and can be more susceptible to wear or decay.
Recession may also indicate inflammation, thin tissue, brushing trauma, tooth-position concerns, or another condition requiring attention.
An examination does not automatically lead to surgery. It helps establish the cause, severity, and appropriate next step.
Cost depends on the number of areas treated, the selected procedure, grafting material, treatment complexity, diagnostic requirements, and follow-up care.
A dental examination and treatment plan are required before a patient-specific estimate can be provided.
Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry provides gum-recession assessments for patients in Richmond Hill.
A dentist can examine the gums, identify contributing factors, measure the affected area, and explain whether gum grafting, periodontal care, another treatment, monitoring, or referral may be appropriate.
Receding gums do not always require surgery, but they should not be diagnosed from appearance alone.
Local anaesthetic is generally used during the procedure. Patients may still notice pressure or movement, and some discomfort can occur as the area heals. The type and intensity of symptoms vary according to the procedure and the patient.
Complete root coverage cannot be guaranteed. The result depends on the type and extent of recession, tissue condition, tooth position, healing response, and selected technique. The dentist should explain the realistic treatment goal before the procedure.
No. Gum grafting may be considered for functional reasons, such as increasing tissue thickness, protecting an exposed root, or addressing sensitivity. It may also improve the appearance of an uneven gumline.
Lost gum tissue does not usually return to its previous position on its own. However, not every case requires grafting. A dentist can determine whether monitoring, periodontal care, changes to home care, restorative treatment, or surgery may be appropriate.
A graft adds or repositions tissue, but it does not replace treatment for active gum disease. Inflammation and periodontal infection generally need to be controlled before or alongside treatment intended to improve the gumline.
Cost depends on the number and location of areas treated, the selected procedure, grafting material, treatment complexity, diagnostic requirements, and follow-up care. A dental examination and treatment plan are required before a patient-specific estimate can be provided.
Receding gums do not always require surgery, but exposed roots, sensitivity, or changes in the gumline should be assessed professionally.
Contact Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry to request an assessment and discuss gum grafting, periodontal care, changes to home care, monitoring, or another appropriate treatment path.
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