If you’ve noticed your teeth looking longer than they used to, or if you feel a notch near your gumline, you may be experiencing gum recession. This is a common concern I hear from patients every week at our Northridge practice. I’m Dr. Farshid Ariz, DMD, a periodontist at Northridge Dental Group, and I specialize in diagnosing and treating receding gums. The good news is that today’s gum recession treatment options are more effective, more comfortable, and more predictable than ever before. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.
What Is Gum Recession and Why Does It Matter?
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back or wears away. This exposes more of the tooth — or even the tooth’s root. When the root becomes exposed, it creates gaps between the teeth and the gumline where harmful bacteria can collect. Left untreated, receding gums can lead to tooth sensitivity, decay on the root surface, and even tooth loss.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease is the leading cause of gum recession, but it isn’t the only one. Aggressive tooth brushing, genetics, hormonal changes, tobacco use, teeth grinding, and misaligned teeth can all contribute. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that approximately 50% of adults between ages 18 and 65 have at least one site of gum recession of 1 mm or more. That number tells us this issue is far more widespread than most people realize.
Signs You May Need Gum Recession Treatment
Many patients in Northridge and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities visit our office not because of pain, but because they notice visual changes. Here are the most common signs that your gums may be receding:
- Teeth appear longer than they did a few years ago
- Tooth sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A notch or groove you can feel near the gumline
- Visible root surfaces that look darker or more yellow than the crown of the tooth
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
If you recognize any of these symptoms, I encourage you to schedule an evaluation. Early detection makes treatment for gum recession simpler and more predictable.
Non-Surgical Gum Recession Treatment Options
Not every case of receding gums requires surgery. When we catch gum recession early, we often start with conservative, non-surgical approaches. These work best when the recession is mild and there is no significant bone loss.
Professional Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
This is often the first step. During scaling and root planing, I carefully remove plaque and tartar that have built up below the gumline. I then smooth the root surfaces so the gum tissue can reattach more easily. This procedure reduces bacterial pockets and helps the gums heal naturally. For many patients in our Northridge office, this treatment alone can halt the progression of recession.
Orthodontic Treatment for Misaligned Teeth
Sometimes gum recession is caused or worsened by teeth that are out of alignment. When a tooth sits outside the arch of bone, the gum tissue over it is thinner and more vulnerable. Gentle orthodontic movement can reposition the tooth into the bone, which can improve gum coverage. You can learn more about orthodontics for adults on our website.
Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Bruxism — or teeth grinding — places excessive force on the teeth and gums. Over time, this force can cause the gum tissue to recede. A custom-fitted night guard distributes biting forces more evenly and protects both your teeth and your gums while you sleep.
Surgical Gum Recession Treatment Options
When recession is moderate to severe, surgical intervention offers the most reliable and long-lasting results. Modern periodontal surgery is minimally invasive, and patients are often surprised by how comfortable the recovery process is.
Connective Tissue Grafting
This is the most commonly performed and well-studied gum graft procedure for receding gums. I take a small piece of connective tissue from beneath the palate (the roof of your mouth) and place it over the exposed root. The tissue integrates with the surrounding gum and creates a thicker, more resilient band of tissue. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology shows that connective tissue grafts achieve root coverage of 80% to 99% in most cases, making it one of the most predictable procedures in periodontics.
Free Gingival Grafts
This technique is similar to a connective tissue graft, but instead of taking tissue from underneath a flap, I take a small layer of tissue directly from the palate. Free gingival grafts are especially useful when the goal is to increase the overall thickness and width of the attached gum tissue, even if full root coverage isn’t the primary objective.
Pedicle (Lateral) Grafts
When there is plenty of healthy gum tissue right next to the area of recession, I can use a pedicle graft. This involves creating a small flap from the adjacent gum tissue and rotating it over the exposed root. The advantage is that the blood supply stays connected, which promotes faster healing.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)
This is a newer, minimally invasive approach to treating gum recession. Instead of cutting and suturing, I make a tiny pinhole in the gum tissue and use special instruments to gently loosen and reposition the tissue over the receded area. Collagen strips are placed to stabilize the new gum position. Many patients appreciate this method because it involves no incisions, no sutures, and a quicker recovery.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
In cases where gum recession has also resulted in bone loss, guided tissue regeneration can help. I place a biocompatible membrane over the affected area, sometimes in combination with bone grafting materials and growth factors. This membrane encourages your body to regenerate both bone and gum tissue naturally. It’s a powerful option for restoring the full support structure of your teeth.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from gum recession surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Here are a few general guidelines I give to my patients:
- Eat soft foods for the first one to two weeks
- Avoid brushing or flossing the treated area until I advise otherwise
- Use a prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse
- Avoid strenuous exercise for several days
- Attend all follow-up appointments so I can monitor healing
Most patients tell me that the discomfort is far less than they expected. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient.
How to Prevent Gum Recession from Coming Back
Once we’ve successfully treated your receding gums, the next goal is to keep your results long-term. Prevention is straightforward and relies on good daily habits combined with regular professional care. For more tips on keeping your gums healthy, I recommend reading our blog on gum disease prevention tips.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle, circular motions
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Visit your dentist and periodontist regularly for cleanings and checkups
- If you grind your teeth, wear your night guard consistently
- Quit tobacco products, which impair gum healing and increase recession risk
Why Choose Northridge Dental Group for Gum Recession Treatment
At Northridge Dental Group, we take a team-based approach to your care. As a board-trained periodontist, I work closely with Dr. Shahdad Arami to create treatment plans that address both the health and the appearance of your smile. Patients throughout Northridge, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, and the greater San Fernando Valley trust us because we combine advanced periodontal techniques with a warm, patient-centered experience. If you’re concerned about receding gums, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can receding gums grow back on their own without treatment?
Unfortunately, gum tissue does not regenerate on its own once it has receded. The good news is that professional gum recession treatment — including grafting procedures and the pinhole technique — can restore gum coverage over exposed roots. Early intervention gives you the best chance of a full recovery.
How much does gum recession treatment cost?
The cost of treating receding gums varies depending on the severity of the recession, the number of teeth involved, and the type of procedure recommended. Non-surgical treatments like deep cleanings are generally less expensive than surgical grafting. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of periodontal treatment, and our Northridge office can help you understand your benefits before beginning care.
Is gum graft surgery painful?
Most patients experience very little pain during gum graft surgery because the area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. After the procedure, mild soreness is common but is typically well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Many patients say the recovery was much easier than they anticipated.
How long does it take to recover from gum recession surgery?
Initial healing usually takes about one to two weeks, during which you’ll eat soft foods and avoid brushing the treated area. Full maturation of the grafted tissue can take several months. Most patients return to their normal routines within a few days after the procedure.
What causes gums to recede in the first place?
The most common causes of gum recession include periodontal (gum) disease, brushing too aggressively with a hard-bristled toothbrush, genetics, teeth grinding, tobacco use, and hormonal changes. Sometimes a combination of factors is involved. A periodontal evaluation can identify the specific cause so the right treatment plan can be created for you.
Written by Dr. Farshid Ariz, DMD — Periodontist at Northridge Dental Group