When this occurs, sensitivity to temperature and touch can follow, as well as a higher risk for cavities on the roots.

A gum graft is a minor surgical procedure that helps to correct recession. Usually, gum material is borrowed from the patient’s own palate and transferred to the area where the gums have receded. A good analogy for this is laying down new sod. Just as the new grass eventually revitalizes damaged areas of the lawn, so too will the borrowed gum tissues blend into the rest of the gingiva and cover the roots. Oftentimes, the new tissues will be thicker and will prevent recession from occuring again.