Gum recession surgery: treatment choices and cost

Gum recession means that the gum margin has moved, exposing more of a tooth or its root. It is not, by itself, the most advanced stage of gum disease. Some people have recession without periodontitis, while others need treatment for both.

Surgery can sometimes improve root coverage or increase the thickness of gum tissue. Whether it is worthwhile depends on the cause, the condition of the tissues and what you hope treatment will achieve.

Does recession always need an operation?

No. The dentist first checks whether the area is changing, difficult to clean, sensitive or affected by decay. Brushing technique, tooth position and the health of the supporting tissues are also relevant.

Some areas can be monitored with advice on gentle cleaning and management of sensitivity. If gum disease is present, it needs appropriate treatment. Scaling or an ultrasonic device can help remove deposits, but it does not simply grow a missing gum margin back.

Root exposure does not inevitably lead to a loose tooth or tooth loss. Conversely, a loose tooth needs assessment of its support; covering the visible root is not automatically the answer.

What are the surgical options?

A clinician may reposition existing gum tissue, use a graft or combine the two. A connective tissue graft often uses tissue from the palate. Techniques such as a tunnel approach allow tissue to be positioned around the affected teeth; suitability depends on the individual anatomy.

Composite filling material is not a gum graft. It may be used to restore a worn or decayed tooth surface in selected circumstances, but it does not increase the thickness of the gum. If both a restoration and gum treatment are proposed, ask how they fit together.

Grafting is usually carried out with local anaesthetic. Other arrangements are considered individually, rather than assuming that more recession automatically requires a general anaesthetic. Tell the team about medical conditions, medicines, smoking and any anxiety before treatment.

Benefits, limitations and recovery

The aim may be better tissue coverage, easier cleaning or improvement in sensitivity or appearance. Full coverage is not always achievable, and a graft does not guarantee that recession will never recur or that the tooth will be retained indefinitely.

Soreness and bleeding can occur, including at a donor site. There is also a risk of infection, incomplete healing or failure of the graft. Ask about these risks and the likely result for your particular situation.

You will receive instructions on protecting the treated area, cleaning elsewhere and attending reviews. Follow the prescribed approach to mouthwash, brushing and food rather than using a generic routine on a fresh graft. Contact the practice if symptoms worsen or bleeding persists despite the advised measures.

How much does it cost?

Our listed fee for surgical coverage of exposed roots is from £250 for a quarter of an arch. This is a starting fee; an assessment is needed to establish the area and treatment required. See our dental fees and ask what is included in the written estimate.

If you are considering instalments, read the current finance information and check eligibility and terms. Do not assume that combining procedures automatically qualifies a plan for finance.

Regular reviews and appropriate cleaning help maintain gum health. The interval is individual, rather than a rule that everyone needs treatment after six months. Contact us to discuss recession and the options for your teeth.