Root Coverage

Receded gums can cause tooth loss, esthetic problems, tooth sensitivity, and root surface decay or notching. Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons. Your periodontist can help you identify certain factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are addressed, a soft tissue graft procedure can restore the lost tissue and help to prevent pain and sensitivity, additional recession, bone loss and possibly tooth loss.

During this procedure, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line. Covering the exposed root provides a more pleasing esthetic appearance, better tissue support for your tooth, and can prevent root surface sensitivity and decay.