Gum Recession! Is root coverage necessary?

Before & After views of root coverage procedure using donor tissue.

There are multiple reasons for receding gums. Tooth brush abrasion is a very common culprit. Our obligation as dentists is to first and foremost educate our patients to avoid putting excessive pressure on their tooth brushes. Also the amount of tooth paste used has a significant influence. Tooth pastes at large contain abrasive materials that in conjunction with too much force not only remove plaque, but also remove healthy underlying tissue. The result is denuded root surface as shown in the above photo. This tooth was previously restored with composite (tooth colored restoration) for good cause of covering the denuded surface. However, nature tells us that the best coverage for the teeth is healthy gingiva (gum tissue).

The same root surface has been treated by donor tissue in our facility with a special plastic surgery like approach in order to strengthen the underlying structure as well as gaining significant root coverage. The photo comparison clearly reveals the benefits from this treatment.