Medically Reviewed by Dr. David Peto on September 9, 2026
A periodontist can help with receding gums by identifying what caused the recession and recommending the least invasive treatment that will actually stop it from getting worse, whether that means a deep cleaning, a gum graft, or laser therapy. If your teeth look longer than they used to or you have noticed new sensitivity to hot and cold, a periodontal evaluation is the fastest way to find out what is actually happening and what it will take to address it.
Advanced Periodontics of N.J. has treated gum recession at every stage, from patients noticing the first signs of change to those with significant tissue loss requiring surgical grafting. Our approach starts with an accurate diagnosis, since recession caused by aggressive brushing calls for a very different plan than recession driven by active gum disease.
Why Gum Recession Happens
Gum recession occurs when plaque builds up and hardens along the gumline, causing inflammation that makes the gum tissue pull away from the tooth. This creates pockets where bacteria and debris collect, which can accelerate further recession and, in more advanced cases, loosen the affected teeth. Recession is common. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 42 percent of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, one of the most common underlying causes of recession.
Why a Periodontist’s Training Matters for Gum Recession
General dentists can identify gum recession, but periodontists complete additional years of specialty training focused specifically on gum tissue, bone, and the surgical procedures used to treat advanced cases. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this additional training covers both nonsurgical and surgical treatment of periodontal disease, which becomes particularly important once recession has progressed beyond what a routine cleaning can address.
Treatment Options Based on Severity
Because recession ranges from mild to severe, treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your specific case, we may recommend one or more of the following:
- Root scaling and planing: A nonsurgical deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and smooths the tooth root to encourage the gum to reattach.
- Gum grafting: Tissue taken from another area of the mouth is used to replace lost gum tissue and cover exposed tooth roots.
- Laser therapy: A minimally invasive option that removes damaged tissue and bacteria while stimulating gum reattachment, often with a quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
- Pocket reduction surgery: For cases where nonsurgical treatment cannot adequately reduce periodontal pockets, this procedure reshapes the bone and gum tissue to eliminate the pockets bacteria collect in.
Your periodontist will factor in your health history and personal preferences alongside the clinical findings before recommending a specific approach, since two patients with similar-looking recession can sometimes need very different treatment plans.
What Happens if Recession Goes Untreated
Left untreated, gum recession tends to progress, exposing more of the tooth root and increasing sensitivity to temperature changes. In more advanced cases, the loss of supporting gum and bone tissue can contribute to tooth mobility. Early evaluation generally means a simpler, less invasive treatment path, which is one reason we encourage patients not to wait once they notice changes to their gumline. A related concern worth watching for is early signs of gum recession before it becomes more advanced.
How We Personalize Gum Recession Treatment
Every recession evaluation at our practice includes a full periodontal exam measuring pocket depth and tissue loss around each affected tooth. From there, we build a treatment plan based on your specific findings rather than defaulting to the most aggressive option available. For patients who prefer a less invasive approach, we also discuss alternative grafting techniques that may fit their case.
Restore Your Gum Health With Expert Care
Our team combines advanced periodontal training with a range of treatment options, from nonsurgical deep cleaning to surgical grafting and laser therapy, so patients receive the least invasive treatment that will still produce a lasting result. We take the time to walk through your specific diagnosis rather than moving straight to a generic recommendation.
If you have noticed your gums receding or increased sensitivity, do not wait for the problem to worsen. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier gums.
Frequently Asked Questions About Receding Gums
When should I see a periodontist about receding gums?
If your teeth look longer than before, you notice new sensitivity to hot or cold, or your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth, it is a good time to schedule a periodontal evaluation rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Does every case of gum recession need surgery?
No. Mild recession is often managed with a nonsurgical deep cleaning called root scaling and planing. Surgical grafting is typically reserved for more advanced cases with significant tissue loss.
What is the recovery like after a gum graft?
Recovery varies based on the extent of the graft, but most patients experience mild soreness for several days and can return to normal activities within a short period, following their periodontist’s aftercare instructions.
Can laser therapy treat receding gums?
Laser therapy can be an effective option for some cases of gum recession tied to active gum disease, since it removes damaged tissue and bacteria while stimulating reattachment. Your periodontist can determine if it fits your case.
What is the difference between seeing a periodontist versus a general dentist for gum recession?
Periodontists complete additional years of training focused specifically on gum tissue and the surgical procedures used to treat more advanced recession, which becomes especially relevant once nonsurgical treatment is no longer enough.
About the Author
Dr. David Peto
Periodontist, Advanced Periodontics of N.J.
Dr. Peto and co-founder Dr. Matei lead Advanced Periodontics of N.J., providing individualized periodontal and implant care to patients throughout New Jersey.
