The Chairside Instructor 20 Gum Recession Treatments Gum Disease Before gum graft Exposed tooth roots are more at risk for cavities and sensitivity. After gum graft Repaired gums now protect tooth roots. Exposed tooth roots Before gum graft Image ©Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. After gum graft Image ©Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. One or more of these treatments could be recommended by your dentist: • Proper brushing techniques can help prevent damage to your gums. Your dentist or hygienist can work with you on the best ways to clean your teeth. • Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is often the first step in healing your gums. • Adjusting or remaking partial dentures will make sure they fit correctly. • Surgery is sometimes needed to treat gum recession. Gum Graft A thin piece of gum tissue is taken from another place in your mouth and attached where your gum tissue has receded. Grafts may be done around one or more teeth to protect the root from sensitivity and decay. Grafts can also be used to make a smile look better. Gum Graft