What is recession and how is it caused?

Soft tissue recession refers to a loss of gum tissue, exposing the previously covered root surface of a tooth.

This recession can occur for several reasons which may include incorrect toothbrushing, thin gingiva, or malpositioned teeth.

When this recession of the gingiva occurs, the exposed root surface may become sensitive, prone to decay, and discomfort can be experienced when eating and brushing your teeth.

The esthetics of your smile may also be compromised by the appearance of "longer" teeth.

The gums may continue to recede, resulting in bone loss and compromised support of your teeth. 

What is soft tissue grafting?

Soft tissue grafting is a procedure in which a piece of tissue from either the roof of your mouth or tissue adjacent to the area of recession is placed over the exposed root surface to provide a table band of attached gingiva around the tooth.

This procedure provides an adequate protective barrier against further bone loss and covers the exposed root.  This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

In addition to covering the exposed roots, this helps to protect teeth from decay, reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the esthetics of your smile.