Receding gums expose sensitive roots, increase decay risk, and affect your smile. Our gum grafting procedures restore tissue coverage and protect your teeth. Medisave claimable at both clinics.
When your gum tissue wears away or pulls back, exposing the root of the tooth.
Gum recession is a condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth gradually pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or its root. As the gums recede, gaps (pockets) form between the teeth and the gumline, making it easy for bacteria to build up and cause further damage.
You may notice that your teeth appear longer than they used to, or you can feel a notch at the gumline with your fingernail. The exposed root surfaces are more yellow than the tooth crown and are not protected by hard enamel — making them vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and wear.
Gum recession is common — it affects many adults over 40 — but it can also occur in younger patients due to aggressive brushing or orthodontic treatment. Because it happens gradually, many people do not notice it until significant tissue has been lost.
Why it matters: Without the protective coverage of gum tissue, exposed roots are susceptible to temperature sensitivity, root decay, abrasion, and aesthetic concerns. In severe cases, the bone supporting the tooth can also be affected, leading to tooth mobility.
Noticing your gums pulling back? Book a gum assessment before it progresses.
Book via WhatsAppGum recession can result from one or multiple factors acting together.
Periodontitis destroys the bone and gum tissue that supports your teeth. It is the most common cause of gum recession and often affects multiple teeth simultaneously.
Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush wears away the gum tissue over time. This type of recession often affects the outer surfaces of the upper teeth.
Clenching or grinding puts excessive force on the teeth and gums, causing the gum tissue to recede. This often occurs at night without the person being aware of it.
Smoking and chewing tobacco reduce blood flow to the gums, impair healing, and make gum tissue more susceptible to recession. Smokers have significantly higher rates of recession.
Some people are genetically predisposed to thin or fragile gum tissue, making them more vulnerable to recession regardless of their oral hygiene habits.
Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can place uneven force on certain areas of the gum and bone, leading to localised recession in those spots.
Treatment depends on the severity of recession and its underlying cause.
For mild recession caused by gum disease, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes bacteria from below the gumline and allows gums to heal and tighten around the teeth.
For sensitivity without significant tissue loss, fluoride varnishes and desensitising agents can be applied to exposed root surfaces. Composite bonding can also cover and protect exposed roots.
The most common gum grafting technique. A small flap of tissue is taken from under the palate and stitched over the exposed root. This provides excellent root coverage and a natural appearance.
Tissue is taken directly from the surface of the palate and placed at the recession site. This technique is used to thicken thin gums and prevent further recession rather than for root coverage.
A minimally invasive approach where a small hole is made in the gum, and existing tissue is gently repositioned to cover the exposed root. No cutting or sutures needed in most cases.
For advanced cases with deep pockets and significant bone loss. The gum is lifted back, bacteria and tartar are removed from the root and bone, and the gum is repositioned to reduce pocket depth.
Our dentists specialise in gentle gum treatments. We'll find the right solution for you.
Book a ConsultationWhat to expect during your gum grafting surgery at Trust Dental.
Your dentist examines the recession, measures the amount of tissue loss, takes X-rays to assess bone levels, and discusses which grafting technique is best for your situation. A full treatment plan and cost estimate is provided.
Any existing gum disease must be treated first with scaling or deep cleaning. Your dentist ensures the surgical site is healthy and gives you pre-operative instructions — including what to eat, medications to avoid, and what to expect.
Local anaesthesia numbs both the surgical site and the donor site (usually the palate). A small piece of connective tissue is carefully removed from beneath the palate surface. The palate is sutured closed and heals within 1-2 weeks.
The harvested tissue is positioned over the exposed root surface and secured with fine sutures. The graft is carefully shaped to match the natural contour of the surrounding gum tissue for a natural-looking result.
Over the following weeks, blood vessels grow into the graft and it integrates with the surrounding tissue. The graft becomes a permanent part of your gum tissue, providing lasting root coverage and protection.
A review appointment at 1-2 weeks checks healing. Sutures are removed at the follow-up visit. Your dentist provides a long-term maintenance plan to protect the graft and prevent further recession.
Wondering about gum grafting costs? We'll give you a clear breakdown at your visit.
WhatsApp UsMedisave claimable. We provide a full breakdown before any treatment begins.
Gum surgery is Medisave claimable
Periodontal surgery including gum grafting and flap surgery qualifies for Medisave claims at Trust Dental Surgery. Our team will guide you through the claims process and provide all necessary documentation. The claimable amount depends on the procedure complexity.
All prices shown are before GST (9%). Final fees vary based on complexity and number of sites. Full cost breakdown provided after assessment.
See a dentist about receding gums if you notice:
Early intervention is important. The sooner gum recession is addressed, the more conservative the treatment can be. Mild recession may only need deep cleaning and habit changes, while advanced recession requires surgical grafting. Don't wait until sensitivity becomes severe or root decay develops.
Medisave and CHAS accepted. Transparent pricing, always.
Gum grafting is performed under local anaesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, mild to moderate discomfort is normal for 3-7 days. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Most patients describe the discomfort as manageable — similar to a mild burn on the roof of the mouth where the graft tissue was taken.
Initial healing takes 1-2 weeks, during which you should eat soft foods and avoid brushing the surgical site. The graft site typically heals well enough for normal activity within 2 weeks. Full tissue maturation and integration takes 3-6 months. Most patients can return to work within 2-3 days after surgery.
Yes. Gum grafting (periodontal surgery) is Medisave claimable at Trust Dental Surgery. The claimable amount depends on the complexity of the procedure. Our team will help you with the Medisave claims process and explain the amount you can claim before treatment begins.
At Trust Dental Surgery, gum grafting starts from $500 per surgical site. The total cost depends on the number of teeth affected, the type of graft used, and the complexity of the procedure. Medisave can be used to offset costs. Your dentist will provide a detailed cost breakdown after assessment.
No. Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. Gum recession is irreversible without surgical intervention. However, you can prevent further recession by addressing the underlying cause — treating gum disease, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, and maintaining regular dental visits.
For mild recession, non-surgical options include desensitising treatments, fluoride varnishes, and composite bonding to cover exposed roots. The pinhole surgical technique is a less invasive alternative for some cases. However, for moderate to severe recession with root exposure, gum grafting remains the most effective and long-lasting solution for restoring tissue coverage.
Gum grafting has a high success rate of 85-95% for root coverage when performed by an experienced dentist. The success depends on factors including the amount of recession, the condition of surrounding bone, the type of graft used, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Most patients achieve significant improvement in gum coverage and symptom relief.
To prevent further recession: use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle technique, treat gum disease promptly with professional cleaning, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, quit smoking, maintain regular dental visits every 6 months, and address any misaligned bite issues. Early intervention is key — the sooner you act, the more gum tissue can be preserved.
The most common causes are: gum disease (periodontitis), which destroys the supporting bone and tissue; aggressive brushing with a hard toothbrush; teeth grinding (bruxism) that puts excessive force on gums; tobacco use, which reduces blood flow and healing; genetic factors that determine gum thickness; and misaligned bite or teeth that create uneven pressure on the gums.
Signs of receding gums include: teeth that appear longer than before, visible root surfaces (which are more yellow than the crown), sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, a notch or groove you can feel at the gumline, and spaces appearing between teeth near the gum. Your dentist can measure gum recession during a routine check-up and track any changes over time.
The main types are: Connective Tissue Graft — the most common, using tissue from under the palate for root coverage; Free Gingival Graft — taking tissue directly from the palate to thicken thin gums; Pedicle Graft — using gum tissue adjacent to the receded area; and the Pinhole Surgical Technique — a minimally invasive approach that repositions existing gum tissue. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific situation.
Clinics in Jurong West and Clementi. Evening appointments available.
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Receding gums won't improve on their own, but treatment can restore coverage, eliminate sensitivity, and protect your teeth for the long term. Book a consultation to discuss your options with our team.