WatchGum Recession
A tooth that looks longer than its neighbors: what gum recession means
A tooth that suddenly looks longer or more yellow than the ones beside it, or a sharp jolt from hot and cold drinks, usually traces back to gum recession. As the gums pull back, the tooth's root is left exposed, and because that root is softer and more porous than the enamel covering the rest of the tooth, the result is sensitivity, root cavities, and a gumline that no longer looks even.
This video covers what drives recession and why it's worth addressing rather than ignoring. Aggressive brushing, crowded teeth, grinding tied to untreated TMJ issues, untreated gum disease, and simple tooth positioning within the jaw all show up as common causes. Once it starts, recession tends to keep progressing unless whatever is driving it gets treated.
A soft tissue graft is the treatment we reach for most often, taking a small piece of gum tissue, either from elsewhere in your mouth or from a donor source, and securing it over the exposed root. It shields the tooth from further damage while restoring a more even, natural gumline.
Any of these changes is worth a visit sooner rather than later. At Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry we'll pin down the cause, address whatever's contributing to it, and determine whether grafting is the right call before recession has a chance to progress further.
Want the full story on Gum Recession Treatment?
Our complete treatment guide covers what to expect, the procedure step by step, recovery, costs, and answers to the questions patients ask most.
Read the Gum Recession Treatment guideVisit Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry
Chicago Office
6215 W Touhy Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
Bourbonnais Office
876 N Convent St
Bourbonnais, IL 60914