Gum Surgery in Coquitlam
Schedule a Gum Recession Evaluation
Concerned about receding gums, exposed tooth roots, or persistent sensitivity? Call (604) 942-6282 or complete the form to request an evaluation.
Gum Surgery in Coquitlam for Receding Gums
Gum recession occurs when the gumline moves away from its usual position, leaving more of the tooth or root surface exposed. Some cases remain stable, while others may be associated with sensitivity, inflammation, root surface decay, or changes in the tissues that support the teeth.
Coast Dental provides assessment for gum surgery in Coquitlam when receding gums or exposed roots require more than routine preventive care. The recommended approach can range from changes in daily cleaning and periodontal treatment to monitoring or a grafting procedure when more tissue support is needed.
Not every case of recession requires surgery. A periodontal evaluation helps determine why the gumline has changed and which treatment, if any, is appropriate.
What Is Gum Recession?
When gum tissue gradually pulls away from a tooth and exposes the underlying root surface, the condition is known as gingival recession. Because root surfaces lack the enamel covering of the crown, exposure can contribute to sensitivity and increase vulnerability to root-surface wear or decay.
Signs may include:
- Teeth that appear longer than before
- Visible or exposed tooth roots
- Notches near the gumline
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Changes in the position of the gumline
- Discomfort while brushing
- Food trapping around affected areas
Loose teeth may occur when advanced periodontal disease and supporting bone loss are also present. Gum recession can sometimes progress without significant pain, so changes in the gumline are worth evaluating even when symptoms are mild.
What Causes Gums to Recede?
Recession can develop for more than one reason. Contributing factors may include:
- Periodontal disease or previous loss of supporting tissue
- Plaque and tartar accumulation
- Forceful brushing or repeated trauma to the gumline
- Naturally thin gum tissue
- Tooth position within the jaw
- Certain orthodontic tooth movements
- A high or restrictive frenum attachment
- Tobacco use
- Oral piercings that repeatedly contact the gums
- Restorations that affect the surrounding tissues
- Inconsistent oral hygiene
Clenching, grinding, and bite forces may also be assessed as part of the overall dental examination, but they should not automatically be assumed to cause recession.
When Is Gum Surgery Recommended?
Not everyone with receding gums needs surgery. Depending on the findings, initial gum recession treatment may involve brushing instruction, a softer toothbrush, periodontal cleaning, scaling and root planing when indicated, sensitivity management, periodontal maintenance, or monitoring stable recession.
Selected root defects may also be evaluated for dental bonding. If clinically significant clenching or grinding is contributing to dental concerns, a night guard may be considered.
Gum grafting may be recommended when recession is progressing, root exposure is significant, existing tissue is thin, sensitivity remains troublesome, or additional tissue is needed to support the affected area.
What Happens During a Gum Recession Evaluation?
Before recommending surgery, the dentist examines the gums, exposed root surfaces, and supporting tissues. The assessment may include measuring the recession and periodontal pocket depths, evaluating tissue thickness, checking for inflammation, and assessing the affected teeth.
Dental X-rays may be recommended when information about supporting bone or nearby structures is needed. Brushing habits, previous periodontal treatment, restorations, relevant medical history, and bite factors may also be reviewed.
These findings help determine whether monitoring, non-surgical periodontal treatment, grafting, or referral for more complex care is appropriate.
Types of Gum Grafts for Receding Gums
Different soft tissue grafting approaches may be considered depending on the recession pattern and clinical findings.
Connective Tissue Graft
A connective tissue graft uses tissue obtained from beneath the surface layer of the palate. The tissue is positioned at the recession site to increase coverage or thickness, depending on the treatment goal.
Free Gingival Graft
A free gingival graft uses a thin piece of tissue from the palate and may be considered when increasing the amount or thickness of firm gum tissue is a primary objective.
Other grafting approaches or appropriate graft materials may be considered in selected cases. The technique depends on factors such as recession depth, gum thickness, tooth position, available tissue, and treatment goals.
What Happens During Gum Graft Surgery?
The exact gum graft surgery procedure varies according to the technique used. Treatment generally begins by numbing the area with local anesthetic. The recipient site is prepared, and graft tissue is obtained or prepared according to the treatment plan.
The tissue is then positioned over or around the affected area and secured. Sutures may be placed, and a protective dressing may be used in some cases.
Afterward, instructions are provided for protecting the surgical area, eating, cleaning your mouth, and attending follow-up appointments.
What Can Gum Grafting Help Address?
Depending on the condition being treated, a root coverage procedure may help:
- Cover or protect an exposed root surface
- Increase gum tissue thickness
- Reduce sensitivity in some patients
- Improve tissue support around an affected tooth
- Make a receded or uneven gumline less noticeable
The extent of root coverage and other outcomes can vary depending on the recession defect, tissue characteristics, tooth position, healing, and other clinical factors.
Gum Grafting Is Different From Other Periodontal Surgery
Different periodontal procedures have different purposes.
Gum grafting adds or repositions tissue to manage recession and exposed roots. Periodontal flap surgery provides access to root surfaces and supporting tissues when treating certain cases involving deep periodontal pockets. Crown lengthening reshapes the gum tissue and sometimes the supporting bone to expose more of the tooth structure. Gingivectomy removes selected gum tissue when clinically indicated.
An examination is necessary to determine which procedure, if any, matches the condition being treated.
Recovery and Care After Gum Surgery
Tenderness, mild swelling, and minor bleeding can occur during early gum graft recovery. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure, as aftercare may differ depending on the surgical technique and graft site.
You may be advised to:
- Eat softer foods while the area is sensitive
- Avoid brushing or flossing directly over the surgical site until instructed
- Use a recommended mouth rinse as directed
- Avoid pulling on the lip or cheek to inspect the graft
- Limit strenuous physical activity during early healing
- Avoid smoking and vaping while the area heals
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits
Stitches used during treatment may either dissolve as the area heals or be removed during a follow-up appointment. Your dentist will explain when you can safely resume regular oral hygiene around the surgical site.
When Should You Contact the Dentist?
Contact the clinic if bleeding does not slow despite the recommended measures, or if you experience increasing swelling, fever, signs of infection, severe or worsening pain, persistent numbness, or concern that the graft or dressing has moved.
How to Maintain Gum Health After Treatment
Long-term care focuses on reducing factors that may have contributed to the original recession. Gentle brushing, consistent plaque control, professional dental care, and periodontal maintenance when indicated can help support the treated tissues.
The dentist may also recommend monitoring tooth position, bite forces, restorations, or other contributing factors. Recession can recur or develop elsewhere, making ongoing dental examinations important.
Schedule an Evaluation for Gum Surgery in Coquitlam
An evaluation of receding gums, exposed roots, or continued sensitivity can help identify contributing factors and determine whether conservative treatment or gum surgery in Coquitlam should be considered.
Call (604) 942-6282 or complete the appointment form to request a gum recession evaluation.