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gum recession treatment

What Is Connective Tissue Grafting?

Video courtesy of Spear Education

Connective tissue grafting is a proven procedure that restores gum tissue lost due to recession. When gums pull back, they expose sensitive tooth roots and increase the risk of damage. Fortunately, this treatment helps rebuild your gum line and protect your smile.

During the procedure, we take a small piece of tissue and place it where it’s needed most. As a result, your gums look healthier and function better.


Why Gum Recession Matters

Gum recession doesn’t just affect appearance. It can lead to sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Therefore, addressing it early makes a big difference.

Common causes include aggressive brushing, gum disease, and genetics. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, treating gum recession early improves long-term oral health outcomes. Learn more here: https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-grafting


Benefits of Treatment

This procedure offers several advantages. First, it reduces tooth sensitivity by covering exposed roots. In addition, it strengthens the gum line and prevents further recession.

Most importantly, connective tissue grafting improves the overall look of your smile. Patients often notice a more balanced, natural appearance after healing.


What to Expect

The process is straightforward and comfortable with modern techniques. We focus on precision and gentle care to ensure the best results. Afterward, most patients recover quickly with minimal downtime.

At Britten Perio, we tailor every treatment to your needs. If you’re dealing with gum recession, you may also benefit from learning about periodontal disease and its impact: https://brittenperio.com/blog/what-is-gum-disease


Take the Next Step

Healthy gums support everything your smile needs to thrive. If you’ve noticed recession or sensitivity, now is the time to act.

Schedule a consultation and take control of your gum health today.

If cold drinks make you wince and your teeth look longer, you may need a gum grafting procedure. Gum recession exposes tooth roots, which can increase sensitivity and raise the risk of decay near the gumline. The good news is that grafting can protect the area and improve comfort.

Why Gums Recede

Recession can come from aggressive brushing, thin gum tissue, orthodontic movement, or gum disease. However, it often develops slowly, so many people miss it at first. Therefore, regular exams matter, especially if you notice new sensitivity or notches near the gumline.

How the Treatment Works

Your periodontist adds tissue where the gums have pulled back. This tissue may come from your palate or from a donor source, depending on your needs. Then the graft is secured so it can integrate and strengthen the gumline. Meanwhile, the goal isn’t just cosmetics. It’s protection, stability, and easier cleaning.

Recovery Tips That Actually Help

Expect mild soreness and swelling for a few days. So choose soft foods, avoid pulling on the lip to “check it,” and follow your cleaning instructions closely. In addition, keep your follow-up appointments, because small adjustments can make healing smoother. Also, switch to a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique to protect the result long-term.

When gums cover roots better, sensitivity often drops and brushing becomes more comfortable. As a result, patients frequently say they wish they’d done it sooner. If you want to stop recession from getting worse, ask Britten Perio if a gum grafting procedure is right for you.

Illustration of a gumline filling placed at the junction of tooth and gum to repair erosion or damage.

Gumline Filling: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

A gumline filling is a small but important dental restoration placed right where the tooth meets the gum. It’s often needed to repair damage caused by gum recession, aggressive brushing, or clenching—issues that expose the sensitive root surface.

Why Gumline Fillings Matter

When the protective enamel ends near the gumline, the softer root surface becomes vulnerable. Over time, this can lead to notching, sensitivity, or even decay. A gumline filling protects the area by sealing the exposed root and restoring structure.

Although we don’t place these fillings at Britten Periodontics, we frequently detect the need for them during exams. We collaborate with your restorative dentist to make sure the timing and placement support your overall treatment—especially if a tissue graft is involved.

When to Get a Gumline Filling

Sometimes, the filling is needed before a soft tissue graft to stabilize the area. Other times, it’s placed after grafting once the gum has healed. Every case is different, and a personalized plan is key.

Protecting Your Teeth and Gums

At Britten Periodontics, our role is to help safeguard both your teeth and gums. Learn more about our periodontal services and how we work with your general dentist for optimal care.

For additional information on dental restorations, check out the American Dental Association’s guide to fillings.

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