Exposed tooth roots: when gum grafting may help

When the gum edge moves away from the crown of a tooth, part of the root can become exposed. Teeth may look longer or feel sensitive, although recession does not always cause symptoms. A dental examination can establish the cause and whether treatment is needed.

Surgery is one possible option. Even marked recession does not automatically mean that a graft is necessary or that tooth loss is inevitable.

What should be assessed first?

Recession can be associated with gum disease, brushing trauma, naturally thin tissues or the position of a tooth. The dentist checks the gums and tooth surfaces and looks for inflammation, decay or wear that may need attention.

Sensitivity has other possible causes too. Do not assume that every sharp pain on eating something cold comes from an exposed root. Treatment should follow the diagnosis.

The aim may be to make cleaning more comfortable, increase the thickness of the gum or cover some exposed root. Your priorities and the likely benefit matter when deciding whether surgery is appropriate.

Are there alternatives to surgery?

Yes. Stable recession may be monitored while the factors contributing to it are addressed. A gentler brushing technique, treatment of gum inflammation and products for sensitivity may be enough in some cases. A restoration may be considered for a damaged root surface, but it does not replace missing gum tissue.

These options do not make a receded gum edge grow back. They may nevertheless control symptoms and help maintain the area without surgery. The dentist should explain the advantages and limitations of monitoring, non-surgical care and a graft.

What happens during gum grafting?

The clinician normally numbs the area with local anaesthetic. Depending on the technique, gum tissue is repositioned and a small graft, often taken from the palate, may be placed and secured with stitches. The chosen approach depends on the tissues and the area being treated.

You should know whether a donor site will be needed and what recovery involves at both sites. Tell the clinician if you feel pain during treatment. The duration varies; it should not be promised as a fixed appointment length for every case.

What result can you expect?

A graft may thicken the tissue or cover part of an exposed root, and sensitivity may improve. Complete root coverage is not always possible. Surgery cannot guarantee a permanent gum line, eliminate all sensitivity or prevent every future dental problem.

Potential problems include soreness, bleeding, infection, incomplete healing or graft failure. Recession can recur, particularly if contributing factors remain. Discuss the likely benefit for your specific tooth and the risks before deciding.

Recovery and continued care

Follow the surgical team’s written instructions about cleaning the site, food, prescribed products and follow-up. Do not brush directly over the graft or pull at the lip to inspect it unless the team has said it is safe. Keep the rest of the mouth clean using the method advised.

Contact the treating practice if bleeding does not settle with the measures you were given, pain or swelling worsens, or you are concerned about the graft. Do not try to reposition it yourself.

Our dental fee page includes periodontal treatment. An examination is needed to decide whether surgery is suitable and to give you a plan and estimate. Contact us if you have noticed a change in your gum line or persistent sensitivity.