Gum Recession Treatment in North York & Toronto

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth pulls away from the tooth, exposing part of the tooth root. Receding gums can make teeth appear longer and may cause sensitivity, discomfort, or an increased risk of root decay. If you are experiencing gum recession in North York or Toronto, Dr. Philip Novack can evaluate the health of your gums and determine whether preventive or restorative periodontal treatment is appropriate.

Gum recession can develop for several reasons, including naturally thin gum tissue, orthodontic treatment, aggressive brushing, gum disease, tooth position, and other factors that place stress on the gums. Fortunately, gum recession can often be managed with periodontal treatment designed to protect vulnerable areas or restore gum tissue that has already been lost.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Some people naturally have thin or delicate gum tissue, which can make them more susceptible to gum recession. Orthodontic treatment may also place stress on the gum tissue as teeth are moved into new positions. Patients with thin gums may have an increased risk of recession during or after orthodontic treatment.

Other factors that can contribute to receding gums include gum disease, brushing the teeth too aggressively, improper oral hygiene, tooth position, and trauma to the gum tissue. Identifying these risk factors early can help Dr. Novack determine whether preventive treatment may be appropriate.

Preventing Gum Recession

When a patient has naturally thin gums or another risk factor for recession, treatment may sometimes be recommended before significant gum loss occurs. Creating a stronger band of protective gum tissue can help protect vulnerable areas and reduce the risk of future recession.

This may be particularly important for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Because moving teeth can place stress on the surrounding gum tissue, your orthodontist or periodontist may recommend a gum graft to strengthen areas that are at greater risk.

Preventing gum recession before it becomes a significant problem is often preferable to treating substantial gum tissue loss later. A periodontal evaluation with Dr. Philip Novack in North York or Toronto can help determine whether preventive treatment is appropriate for you.

Free Gingival Graft

A free gingival graft may be recommended when additional gum tissue is needed to strengthen and protect an area that is vulnerable to recession. This procedure creates a more substantial band of protective gum tissue around the tooth.

Treatment for Receding Gums in Toronto

If gum recession has already developed, treatment may be recommended to protect the exposed tooth root, reduce sensitivity, improve the appearance of the gumline, and restore lost gum tissue. In many cases, a connective tissue graft can predictably cover exposed roots and rebuild the gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

The appropriate treatment depends on the amount and location of gum recession, the thickness of the existing gum tissue, the position of the tooth, and your overall periodontal health. Dr. Philip Novack can evaluate these factors and recommend the treatment that best fits your individual needs.

Connective Tissue Graft

A connective tissue graft is a common treatment for gum recession. During the procedure, tissue is used to add gum volume to the affected area and cover exposed tooth roots when appropriate.

Connective tissue grafting can help restore lost gum support, protect exposed roots, reduce tooth sensitivity, and improve the appearance of an uneven or receded gumline. The procedure is designed to provide both functional and cosmetic benefits while helping maintain the long-term health of the affected teeth.

Gum Recession and Orthodontic Treatment

It is sometimes difficult to predict exactly how an individual’s gums will respond to orthodontic treatment. Patients with thin gum tissue may have a greater risk of developing recession as their teeth are moved.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment and have thin or vulnerable gum tissue, a periodontal evaluation can help identify areas that may require additional protection. In some cases, preventive gum grafting may be recommended before or during orthodontic treatment to help maintain healthy gum coverage.

If gum recession develops following orthodontic treatment, periodontal procedures may also be available to restore lost gum tissue and cover exposed roots.

When Should Gum Recession Be Treated?

Not every area of gum recession requires immediate treatment. However, evaluation by a periodontist is important if you notice that your teeth appear longer, your gums are pulling away from your teeth, or you experience increased sensitivity around the gumline.

Treatment may be recommended when recession is progressing, the exposed root is sensitive or difficult to keep clean, there is insufficient gum tissue to protect the tooth, or you are concerned about the appearance of your gumline.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

Gum tissue that has been lost due to recession does not typically grow back on its own. However, periodontal procedures such as gum grafting can restore gum tissue and, in appropriate cases, cover exposed tooth roots.

The earlier gum recession is evaluated, the sooner contributing factors can be identified and a treatment plan developed to protect your teeth and gums.

Protecting Your Gums

Maintaining good oral hygiene and using proper brushing techniques can help protect your gums from further damage. Regular dental and periodontal examinations are also important for identifying gum recession and other periodontal concerns early.

If you have thin gums, are planning orthodontic treatment, or have noticed changes in your gumline, a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Philip Novack can determine whether preventive or restorative treatment may be beneficial.