Ask the Dentist: Receding Gums

Q: Can my gums grow back after it has receded?

A: It is not possible for gums that have receded to grow back, which is why it is so important to take care of our teeth and gums. However, there are treatments available to prevent gums from receding further, and through surgical intervention, certain defects caused by gum recession can be repaired. I’ll cover one of each today:

Scaling & Root Planing

This is the most common non-surgical way to treat gum disease and prevent gums from receding further. During the scaling and root planing process, local anaesthesia is administered and all tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gum line is removed. The roots of your teeth are smoothened out to provide a clean surface for your gums to reattach to the teeth. Depending on the extent of gum disease, a few visits may be required for the procedure to be completed.

Gum Graft Surgery

If your tooth root is exposed due to excessive gum recession, a gum graft surgery will help to cover it and protect the tooth from tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. The surgery involves taking a piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth or another donor source then transferring and attaching it to the gum defect.

To find out the treatment options most suitable for you, you are recommended to speak to your Periodontist / dentist. Remember, the best protection against receding gums is good oral hygiene routine and regular check-ups with your dental specialist / dentist.

Dr Daylene Leong is Dental Specialist in periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her training in the specialty area of Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. Dr Leong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. She has a special interest in periodontal regeneration, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery and dental implants.

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