Gum care
Receding gums
When gums pull back, more of the tooth shows, and the root can feel sensitive. This visit finds out why it is happening and whether it is still going.
Gums recede for several reasons: brushing too hard, gum disease, the way your teeth meet, or the way you were built. Some recession stays the same for years. Some keeps going. Dr. Villanueva measures it so you can see which, and tells you when watching is all that is needed.
What Dr. Villanueva looks at
How far the gum has pulled back, in millimeters, tooth by tooth
How much gum is left around each tooth
How you brush and floss, and what you use
Whether your bite is pressing on the tooth
What happens, in order
The first visit is about an hour. A graft, if you choose one, is a separate visit with a healing period after it.
- 01
Step 1: A talk and a look
You show us where it bothers you. Dr. Villanueva examines the teeth and gums.
- 02
Step 2: Measuring and photos
We measure the recession and photograph it, so the next visit has something to compare against.
- 03
Step 3: Your options
Watching, changing how you clean, or a gum graft. You hear what each involves.
- 04
Step 4: The plan, in writing
If you choose a graft, you get the stages and the fee for each before anything starts.
Before you decide
Comfort
We numb the area before any treatment. A graft takes tissue from one place in your mouth to cover another, and you can ask Dr. Villanueva what that feels like during healing.
If you wait
Recession can stay the same or can continue. Measuring now gives a record to compare against, and it shows whether anything needs to be done.
Risks and after-care
A graft needs careful after-care: a soft diet for a while and no brushing at the site until Dr. Villanueva says. A graft may not cover the root completely. He explains what is likely for your mouth.
How it is billed
We give you the fee for each stage in writing before it starts, and file claims to plans we are in network with. No fee is quoted on this page.
How fees work
Questions about this visit
Can gums grow back?
No. Gum tissue that has pulled back does not grow back on its own. A graft can cover an exposed root, and Dr. Villanueva tells you whether it suits your mouth.
Does everyone with recession need a graft?
No. Many people only need to change how they brush, and be measured again later.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
An exposed root has no enamel over it. We can talk about ways to ease it while we find the cause.
Where does the graft tissue come from?
Usually from the roof of your mouth. Dr. Villanueva explains the options and what healing is like before you decide.
Ask about receding gums
Dr. Eliseo Villanueva, DDS, practices periodontics. His training and licenses are on his page.