GUM RECESSION

Gum Recession: Can Receding Gums Be Treated?

Name: My gums have receded. Can they be restored?
Creator: Ilseop Ahn

Treated by Dr. Ilseop Ahn (board-certified periodontist · specialist in integrated dentistry) · Reviewed by Dr. Ilseop AhnAbout the doctor →

Last reviewed October 29, 2026 · Dr. Ilseop Ahn (board-certified periodontist, specialist in integrated dentistry)

At a glance

Good for: Receded gums with exposed, sensitive roots, or gums that keep receding
Treatment flow: Find and control the cause → measure the recession depth → gum graft only where needed
Duration and limits: How much can be covered depends on how much gum and bone remain between the teeth. We tell you the expected coverage before surgery

Details

Receded gums do not grow back on their own, but spots where the root is exposed and sensitive, or where the gums keep receding, can be covered with a gum graft. How much can be covered depends largely on how much gum and bone remain between the teeth. If the areas between the teeth are intact, much can be covered; if they have also receded, only part can be covered, or coverage may be difficult. Causes vary, including gum disease, hard brushing, naturally thin gums, orthodontics and clenching, so the cause must be controlled first to keep the gums from receding again. At Ceramic Dental Clinic, a board-certified periodontist who specializes in gums measures the recession depth in millimeters and tells you before surgery how much can be covered.

01^°

The same "receding gums," but different decisions

Some spots were covered with a graft, some had only the cause fixed without surgery, and some were covered only as far as possible. Here they are with the numbers measured with a probe.

CASE01

Gums receded on a lower canine after orthodontics, in a patient with thin gums

Connective tissue graft moving tissue from the roof of the mouth · covered the root and thickened the gums

Side view inside the mouth after an orthodontic retainer was bonded: the gums on the lower canine have receded deeply, exposing a long stretch of root — Before. The gums on the lower canine had receded deeply, exposing the root, and the surrounding gums were thin.

Side view inside the mouth after healing: the exposed root of the lower canine is covered with gum, and the gum height is similar to the teeth next to it — After healing. The exposed root was covered and the gums became thicker.

Condition: Recession depth 4 mm, gum and bone between the teeth intact, thin gums
Chosen: Connective tissue graft (CTG)
Coverage: 3 mm of 4 mm
Orthodontic collaboration: Canine position checked together with a board-certified orthodontist

CASE02

Gum recession and wear at the neck of a canine caused by hard brushing

Brushing corrected without surgery · the worn spot filled with resin, plus desensitizing treatment

Side view inside the mouth: the gums on an upper canine have receded, and the neck of the tooth near the gum is deeply worn — Before. The gums had receded slightly, and the neck of the tooth was worn by brushing, so cold water caused sensitivity.

Side view inside the mouth after the worn spot on the neck of the same upper canine was filled with resin — After the resin filling. The patient changed the way of brushing, and at regular checkups we compare photos at the same angle to see whether the gums recede further.

Condition: Recession depth 3.5 mm, no longer progressing
Chosen: Brushing corrected, resin filling for the worn spot, desensitizing treatment
Not done: Gum graft (the gums were not receding further, and sensitivity was the main concern)
See more: The root area of this tooth is worn and sensitive →

CASE03

Recession down between the teeth from gum disease

Gum treatment stopped the progress, and only the coverable range was planned · we explained in advance that it could not all be covered

Front view inside the mouth: the gums between the lower front teeth have receded, leaving dark gaps, with tartar at the gum line — Before. Not only the front of the teeth but also the gum and bone between the teeth had receded.

Front view inside the mouth after gum treatment and orthodontics: the gum inflammation has settled and the teeth are evenly aligned — After periodontal treatment and orthodontics. Gum treatment calmed the inflammation. The areas between the teeth that had receded were not covered, so the improvement was partial.

Condition: Recession with gum and bone loss between the teeth as well
Chosen: Gum treatment first, then orthodontic treatment
Note: The areas between the teeth that have receded are not covered, and dark gaps (black triangles) may remain
Duration: About 1 year

* Photos were taken under the same conditions and published with the patients' consent. Treatment results and side effects may vary from person to person.

02^°

Why do gums recede?

There is often more than one cause, and if a cause remains, the gums recede again even after they are covered.

01Gum disease

When inflammation under the gums breaks down the bone that supports the teeth, the gums above it recede too. It often reaches down between the teeth.

02Hard brushing

Scrubbing hard side to side with a stiff toothbrush can wear the gums down and wear grooves in the necks of the teeth. This is common on canines and premolars.

03Naturally thin gums

If your gums and the bone beneath them are naturally thin, the gums can recede easily even with small irritation.

04Orthodontics and tooth position

Teeth that were tilted outside the bone, or teeth moved outward during orthodontics, have thin outer bone, so the gums may look receded.

05Clenching and grinding

When the force of clenching concentrates on the neck of a tooth, wear and gum recession can appear together.

03^°

How we treat gum recession

We find the cause, measure, control it, and graft only where needed. Each step is shown with real clinical photos.

Illustration of plaque left at the border of the teeth and gums, shown in red with a disclosing agent — Finding the cause. We use a disclosing agent to see the spots you miss, and mark on a checklist your usual toothbrush and brushing method, gum inflammation, signs of clenching and orthodontic history, one by one.

Ceramic Dental Clinic gum recession cause checklist, marked for gum inflammation, brushing, gum thickness, orthodontic history and more — Finding the cause. We use a disclosing agent to see the spots you miss, and mark on a checklist your usual toothbrush and brushing method, gum inflammation, signs of clenching and orthodontic history, one by one.

STEP 01

We start by finding why the gums receded

We check whether you have gum disease, whether you brush hard, whether your gums are naturally thin, whether tooth position or past orthodontics plays a role, and whether you clench. If there are several causes, we note them all.

Why we do thisIf the cause is left as it is and the gums are covered, the grafted gums recede again for the same reason. Controlling the cause lasts longer than surgery.

Cross-section illustration of a marked periodontal probe placed beside an exposed root to measure the recession depth — Measurement. With a marked probe, we measure in millimeters the depth and width of the recession, the width of firm gum (keratinized gum), and the gum height between the teeth.

STEP 02

We measure the recession depth and the condition between the teeth in millimeters

We measure how deep and wide the exposed root is, how much firm gum remains below it, and whether the gum and bone between the teeth have receded. We also record the starting condition in photos for later comparison.

Why we do thisThe gum height between the teeth is the best predictor of how much a gum graft will cover. Based on this number, we tell you before surgery whether full or only partial coverage is likely.

Illustration comparing scrubbing the neck of a tooth side to side with a stiff toothbrush and placing a soft toothbrush at 45 degrees to the gum line and sweeping toward the tooth — Controlling the cause. We show you how to brush with a soft toothbrush without scrubbing the gums, and if there is gum inflammation, we do gum treatment first.

STEP 03

We control the cause first and watch

You change your toothbrush and brushing method, we treat gum disease if present, and we manage clenching if needed. Then we compare photos over several months to see whether the gums recede further. We guide you to brush with a soft toothbrush, sweeping from the gums toward the teeth.

Why we do thisAfter the cause is fixed, a spot that does not recede further and is only sensitive may need just desensitizing treatment or a resin filling, without surgery.

Illustration showing the sutured donor site beside the premolars on the inner roof of the mouth where connective tissue was taken, and the piece of connective tissue — Gum graft. We take a small piece of connective tissue from the inner roof of the mouth, place it under the receded spot, and pull the gum up to cover it.

Cross-section illustration of connective tissue placed over the root of a lower canine with receded gums, with the gum pulled up and sutured — Gum graft. We take a small piece of connective tissue from the inner roof of the mouth, place it under the receded spot, and pull the gum up to cover it.

STEP 04

We graft only where needed

We graft spots where the root is exposed and sensitive, spots that keep receding even after the cause is fixed, and spots where the gums are so thin that the risk of further recession is high. We use a connective tissue graft (CTG), moving a small piece of connective tissue from the inner roof of the mouth, under local anesthesia.

Why we do thisAdding connective tissue covers the root and also thickens the gums, which helps prevent them from receding again.

Photo inside the mouth on the day of surgery, after anesthesia and before the graft: the gums on a lower canine and premolar have receded, exposing the roots — Healing. Stitches are removed at about 2 weeks, and the gum shape and color usually settle over several months. After they settle, we take photos at the same angle as before surgery to compare the coverage.

Photo inside the mouth after healing: the gums in the same spot have settled and the exposed roots are covered — Healing. Stitches are removed at about 2 weeks, and the gum shape and color usually settle over several months. After they settle, we take photos at the same angle as before surgery to compare the coverage.

STEP 05

We check healing and measure the coverage

We check the next day and remove the stitches after 1–2 weeks. Avoid brushing the grafted spot, usually for about 2 weeks until the stitches are removed, and use the prescribed mouthwash. After the gums settle, we measure again and show you how many millimeters were covered compared with the start.

Why we do thisIn the first few weeks, the grafted tissue attaches as new blood vessels connect. Rubbing or pulling during this time can keep it from attaching, so be careful.

First photo inside the mouth: the gums on several lower front teeth and canines have receded, exposing the roots — Regular photo comparison. We place photos taken at the same angle side by side to check that the gums are not receding again.

Photo inside the mouth retaken at the same spot and angle, confirming that the gums cover the roots and are holding — Regular photo comparison. We place photos taken at the same angle side by side to check that the gums are not receding again.

STEP 06

We compare photos regularly

At regular checkups, we take photos at the same angle and compare them with the first ones. If there are signs of recession again, we recheck causes such as brushing and clenching.

Why we do thisGums recede very slowly, so it is hard to notice in a mirror. Comparing photos helps find even small changes early.

* Clinical photos were published with the patients' consent. Side effects such as temporary pain or discomfort may occur depending on the person.

04^°

The gum between the teeth decides how much can be covered

01When the gum and bone between the teeth are intact

The gums have receded only on the front surface of the tooth. A gum graft can often cover most or all of the exposed root.

02When the area between the teeth has also receded slightly

The gum and bone between the teeth have receded less than the front. Part can be covered, but full coverage may be difficult.

03When the area between the teeth has receded as much as the front

The gum and bone between the teeth have receded as much as or more than the front. A graft can hardly cover it, so we control the cause, treat sensitivity, and if needed improve the shape with resin or a crown.

These groups are a patient-friendly version of the gingival recession classification (Cairo 2011). We explain which applies to you while looking at your measured numbers.

05^°

Comparison of treatment options

	Cause control and care	Desensitizing treatment and resin	Gum graft
Good for	Done first in every case of gum recession	The gums are not receding further, and sensitivity or wear is the main concern	Exposed, sensitive roots, gums that keep receding, or very thin gums
Method	Corrected brushing, gum treatment, clenching management	Applying medication to sensitive surfaces or filling worn spots with resin	Moving tissue such as connective tissue from the roof of the mouth to cover the root
Anesthesia and surgery	None (gum treatment uses local anesthesia)	Usually possible without anesthesia	Surgery under local anesthesia
Recovery	None	None	Stitches usually for 1–2 weeks; several months for the gums to settle
Limits	Receded gums do not grow back on their own	The gums stay as they are; resin can wear or come off	Coverage varies with the condition between the teeth
Cost	See the treatment cost guide →

06^°

In these cases, other treatment comes first, or you may not need treatment

A gum graft suits you if

Your roots are exposed and sensitive
Your gums keep receding even after the cause is fixed
Your gums are so thin that they need thickening before orthodontics or crowns

Other treatment comes first

Gum disease: gum treatment first, to calm the inflammation.
Hard brushing or clenching is the cause: controlling the cause comes first.
You smoke: grafted tissue does not attach well, so we first recommend quitting.

You may not need it now

The gums are not receding further and only sensitivity remains: desensitizing treatment or a resin filling may be enough.

07^°

After surgery

Do not brush the grafted spot, usually for about 2 weeks until the stitches are removed, and use the prescribed mouthwash. After that, brush gently with a soft toothbrush for a few more weeks.
For a few days, eat soft, non-spicy food and do not chew on the side that had surgery.
Do not pull your lip to check the wound. The pulling force can shift the grafted gum.
If the wound on the roof of the mouth is large and could reopen or become inflamed, we cover it with a protective plate.

08^°

Self-check

My teeth look longer than beforeCold water makes my teeth sensitiveThe neck of a tooth is wornMy gums look thin and see-throughMy toothbrush bristles splay quicklyMy gums seem to have receded after bracesMy gums bleed when I brush

If any apply, we first check the cause and depth of the recession.

09^°

Side effects and limits

Please read

· The spot on the roof of the mouth where tissue was taken may sting and feel uncomfortable for a few days.

· Swelling and bruising may last a few days.

· Part of the grafted tissue may not attach or may shrink.

· Depending on the condition between the teeth, coverage may be less than expected.

· The gum color or thickness at the graft site may look slightly different from the surrounding gums.

· If the cause continues, the gums can recede again. Care to prevent further recession lasts longer than surgery to cover it.

FAQ

Do receded gums grow back on their own?

Apart from gums that were swollen from inflammation settling down, receded gums do not grow back on their own. We control the cause to stop further recession and cover the spots that need it with a gum graft.

For international patients

Questions from international patients who live in Korea or travel to Seoul for treatment.

Can I use Korean National Health Insurance?

If you are enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance, insured treatments are billed under the same insurance rules as for other enrollees. Whether a treatment is covered depends on the treatment and the insurance rules, and we tell you before treatment starts. If you are not enrolled, you pay the full fee.

How do I book an appointment?

Message us on WhatsApp. You can also send us an email or call +82-2-517-0002.

How much does an implant cost?

OSSTEM or Dentium implants are KRW 1,200,000 per implant, and implants with a zirconia crown are KRW 1,500,000. If bone is lacking, a bone graft is KRW 200,000 to 1,000,000 per site, depending on your jawbone. International and Korean patients pay the same fees. See our fee schedule.

How many visits do I need, and how long should I stay in Korea?

Implants need time for the bone and the implant to bond firmly. So you either visit Korea more than once or plan a longer stay. The schedule depends on your bone and whether a bone graft is needed, and we explain it after a CT scan.

Can I have my consultation in English?

Yes. The doctor in charge of each field consults with you directly in English. For implants and gum care, this is Dr. Ilseop Ahn, a board-certified periodontist. Before you travel, you can send photos of your teeth on WhatsApp or by email. An accurate diagnosis is made after we examine you in person.

What happens after I go home?

Implants do not decay, but the gums around them can become inflamed. If you notice swelling, bleeding or movement, it needs to be checked. Send us a photo on WhatsApp if anything worries you. Regular check-ups and scaling help keep the area healthy.

Results, the number of visits and schedules vary from person to person. More questions: Visiting from abroad.

Implants and gumsMy gums bleed and my teeth are loose. Can gum treatment save them?→Cavities and root canal treatmentThe root area of this tooth is worn and sensitive→Porcelain veneers and front teethBlack triangles: why do dark gaps form between teeth, and how are they filled?→Porcelain veneers and front teethGummy smile: why do my gums show so much when I smile?→OrthodonticsOrthodontics: where and how should I get treatment?→TMJ and teeth grindingI grind my teeth at night and clench during the day: do I need a splint?→

Treatment results and side effects may vary from person to person.

You can ask first by sending a photo of your receded gums

WhatsApp LINE Call +82-2-517-0002 First visit