Receding gums treatment
Are your teeth feeling increasingly sensitive, or have you noticed your smile looking a bit “longer” than usual? Gum recession is a common but serious dental concern where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth wears away, pulling back to expose the delicate tooth roots underneath. Left untreated, it can lead to severe root sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss.
At Rock Road Dental, we offer advanced, minimally invasive receding gum treatments designed to stop recession in its tracks, protect your tooth roots, and restore the healthy aesthetic of your smile. From our modern clinic on the Rock Road in Blackrock, we provide specialized periodontal care to patients across Blackrock, Booterstown, Stillorgan, Dun Laoghaire, and the greater South Dublin region.
Recognizing the Signs and Causes of Gum Recession
Many patients don’t realize their gums are receding because the process happens incredibly gradually. However, being aware of the early warning signs can help you seek treatment before complex surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Common Symptoms to Watch For:
Tooth Sensitivity: Sharp pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks due to exposed dentine.
The “Long Tooth” Appearance: A visible change in your smile where individual teeth appear noticeably longer.
A Notch Near the Gum Line: Feeling a distinct ridge or shelf on the tooth where the gum margin used to rest.
Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums: Classic indicators of underlying inflammation or periodontal disease.
Why Do Gums Recede?
Gum recession can be triggered by several distinct lifestyle and genetic factors. Our South Dublin dental team focuses on identifying the exact root cause of your recession to prevent it from returning after treatment. Common causes include aggressive toothbrushing (using a hard-bristled brush or applying too much pressure), chronic gum disease (periodontitis), genetic tissue thinness, smoking, or misaligned teeth causing uneven pressure on the jawbone.
Advanced Gum Treatment Options at Rock Road Dental
Depending on the stage and cause of your gum recession, our specialist-led team will tailor a non-surgical or surgical treatment pathway to restore your oral health:
Deep Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): For early-stage recession caused by gum disease, we carefully remove stubborn plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, smoothing the tooth roots to help the gum tissue reattach firmly.
Composite Bonding: If the recession is mild but causing intense temperature sensitivity, we can apply a tooth-coloured composite resin to cover and insulate the exposed root surface.
Periodontal Gum Grafting: For advanced recession where the root requires structural protection, a minor surgical procedure can be performed to place a small amount of new tissue over the exposed area, stabilizing the tooth and preventing further bone loss.
Transparent Fees & Tax Relief for Periodontal Care
We believe in completely transparent pricing without hidden surprises. During your initial consultation at our Blackrock practice, you will receive a comprehensive, itemized treatment plan detailing all associated costs.
Save 20% with Med 2 Tax Relief
Many advanced periodontal treatments, including gum grafting and specialized root planing, qualify for Med 2 tax relief in Ireland. This means you can claim back 20% of the total cost of your treatment through Revenue. Our administrative team will fully assist you with the necessary paperwork to make your care as affordable as possible.
We also partner with Humm finance to offer flexible payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost of your dental treatment into comfortable monthly options.
Receding Gums - Frequently Asked Questions
Can receding gums grow back naturally?
No. Unlike skin tissue, gum tissue does not regenerate or grow back once it has been lost. However, modern periodontal treatments can successfully halt the recession process, protect the exposed roots from decay, and structurally restore the gum line using grafting techniques.
Is treatment for receding gums painful?
Non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing are typically performed under local anaesthetic to ensure you remain entirely comfortable. For surgical treatments like gum grafting, we use precise local numbing techniques so that the procedure itself is pain-free. Any mild post-treatment tenderness can be easily managed with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
How can I prevent my gums from receding further at home?
The most effective preventative measure is switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with a built-in pressure sensor to ensure you aren’t brushing too aggressively. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, flossing daily, and attending regular routine dental cleanings at our Blackrock clinic will keep plaque bacteria from damaging your delicate gum margins.
How do I know if I need a gum graft?
A graft is generally recommended if your gum recession is progressing rapidly, exposing a significant portion of the tooth root, causing unmanageable sensitivity, or threatening the long-term stability of the tooth. Our clinical team will perform a detailed assessment of your gum thickness and bone levels to advise if this is the best pathway for you.