A gum grafting has been recommended. Attached gum tissue (root coverage) is important because exposed roots are soft.
10 Benefits of Root Coverage
- Exposed roots are susceptible to cavities
- Exposed roots are more easily dissolve (disappear over time) from the acidic oral environment.
- Exposed roots that are softer are more susceptible to wear from normal toothbrush abrasion.
- Root coverage also has the benefit to protect roots from sensitivity.
- Over time exposed roots may form V-shaped indentations that weaken the tooth. Teeth with V-shaped indentations are susceptible to breakage.
- Surface of the root is close to the nerve of the tooth. V-shaped lesions can increase in size of cause tooth nerve problems, which could lead to the need for a root canal.
- Exposed roots with V-shaped wear may allow bacteria to leak under dental restorations (crowns and fillings).
- Exposed Roots are yellow and will not respond well to dental teeth whitening procedures. Exposed roots are very sensitive to tooth whitening procedures.
- Exposed roots give an the appearance of longer teeth (“Long in tooth” sign of aging)
- Gum recession on any given tooth can affect the gum & bone height on adjacent teeth.
*Thickening the existing gum tissue will make the gum tissue more resilient to future recession of both gum and bone.
