Are your teeth appearing longer than usual? Receding gums may seem purely cosmetic, but they can heighten the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and sensitivity. Because gums cannot regenerate once they recede, gum grafting in Chicago, Illinois, may provide the solution you’re looking for. Expertly placed at Perio Implant Chicago, gingival grafting covers exposed roots to preserve gum and bone health.
Why should I treat gum recession?
Gum recession occurs when gum tissues wear away or pull back excessively, exposing more of the tooth or its root. While it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue at first, it’s actually a sign of underlying oral health problems—and it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Here’s why gum recession should be a concern:
Tooth sensitivity When the protective gum tissue recedes, the sensitive root surface of the tooth becomes exposed. This causes sensitivity when breathing cold air or consuming sugary, cold, or hot drinks or food. Over time, this sensitivity diminishes the quality of life.
Increased risk of decay Exposed roots aren’t covered in protective enamel like the visible crown of the tooth. Once exposed, they’re more vulnerable to decay, cavities, and erosion, which can progress rapidly without proper care.
Periodontal disease Recession creates deep pockets that are difficult to clean with your toothbrush and dental floss. This further heightens the progression of gum disease.
Further damage Gum recession often signals the early stages of periodontal disease. If left unchecked, it can lead to bone loss, tooth instability, and even tooth loss.
Diminished aesthetics When gums receded, your teeth appear unusually long, even when they are of regular size. A “toothy” smile can affect your confidence in photos, conversations, or social situations.
If you’ve noticed your teeth looking longer, increased sensitivity, or visible notches near the gumline, it’s time to take action. Let’s treat gum recession before it causes irreversible damage.
How does gum grafting treat gum recession?
In cases of mild gum recession, a tooth-colored filling or bonding material can be applied to cover the exposed root and reduce sensitivity. However, gum grafting may be necessary to restore optimal periodontal health for more advanced recession.
Gum grafting involves transplanting healthy tissue into the areas with gum recession. Over time, the gum graft integrates with the existing tissue to provide a healthy cover over your teeth.
We have several types of gum grafting:
Connective tissue graft It’s the most common type of gum graft. The doctor creates a small flap on the palate and harvests connective tissue from beneath the surface before placing and suturing it over the receded area.
Free gingival graft The doctor takes healthy tissue directly from the mouth palate without creating a flap.
Pedicle graft We use existing gum tissue, next to the exposed root. The gum tissue is partially cut and rotated over the receded area while keeping one edge intact for better blood supply.
Gum grafting in Chicago, Illinois, improves aesthetics and restores full periodontal health. It’s a proven and effective way to rebuild lost tissue and help prevent further gum and bone loss.
Who offers gum recession treatment in Chicago, Illinois?
Dr. Sabzerhei and associates at Perio Implant Chicago have restored countless smiles with advanced gum grafting techniques—why go elsewhere? Join hundreds of patients who have entrusted us with their periodontal health. Call (312) 736-7959 and inquire about gum recession treatment from us.
Peter O. Cabrera, DDS, graduated from St. Patrick High School in Chicago, completed his undergraduate education at Northwestern University in Evanston, and received his Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Illinois. He completed his specialty residency in Periodontics at Northwestern University Dental School. Since Dr. Cabrera began his practice, he has developed various surgical approaches, and his work has been featured in many journals. He also lectures both nationally and internationally. He has served The Children’s Memorial Hospital Department of Surgery, Division of Dentistry for over 25 years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Periodontology, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois Society of Periodontists, and the Midwest Society of Periodontology.
Bahareh Sabzehei, DDS, MS
Bahareh Sabzehei, DDS, MS, is a periodontist and implant surgeon who attended the University of Illinois at Chicago from where she received her DDS in 2005. She later completed a three-year post-graduate residency in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at the University of Illinois and also earned her Master of Science in Oral Sciences. Dr. Sabzehei practiced in Chicago from 2008-2012, during which time she was also a faculty member at the University of Illinois. After moving to Orlando in 2012, she served the University of Florida faculty. Having returned to Chicago in 2017, she has been collaborating with Dr. Cabrera on many cases. She is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, Midwest Society of Periodontology, Illinois Society of Periodontists, and Academy of Osseointegration and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery.
Dr. Kimberly Sheppard, DDS, brings over two decades of dental expertise, having practiced since 2004. She earned her DDS from the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry and completed a residency in Periodontics. As a former Adjunct Clinical Faculty at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, she has mentored future dentists in implant surgery. Dr. Sheppard co-founded The Northwest Society of Women Dentists and serves as Chief Medical Officer at a leading Texas periodontal practice. Her commitment to integrating advanced laser technology and educating patients on oral-systemic health connections underscores her trustworthiness and authority in the field.
