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Gum recession treatment at Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine
Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine in Paris

Gingival / periodontal recession

Protect the health of your gums

Gum recession, also known as receding gums, is a condition characterised by the loss of marginal tissue. It affects facial aesthetics and the protective function of the tissues supporting the tooth.

Gingival / periodontal recession

What is gum recession?

Anatomically, this condition involves the gum moving down towards the root. The gingival margin therefore shifts below the cementoenamel junction. This tissue displacement directly exposes the root surface to the oral environment.

The crown of the tooth is protected by enamel, the hardest tissue in the human body. The root is covered by cementum, which is far less dense and therefore more vulnerable to abrasion, erosion and acid attacks. The loss of attached gingiva, made up of dense keratinised tissue, deprives the tooth of its mechanical barrier against bacterial and traumatic damage.

It is important to note that this process of tissue destruction is irreversible. Gum tissue cannot regenerate itself. Any loss must be assessed before repair through periodontal plastic surgery can be considered.

Gum recession
Gingival / periodontal recession

Gum recession: warning signs

In its early stages, gum recession usually develops without symptoms. Its slow, silent progression often delays the first consultation. However, as attachment loss increases, specific clinical signs appear and become easy to identify.

Tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession
Tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession

Exposed dentine leaves the dentinal tubules unprotected. Changes in temperature or chemical stimuli cause fluid movement, which stimulates the nerves in the pulp and triggers a brief, sharp pain.

Changes in the crown-to-root ratio

Gum recession makes the crown look longer and creates asymmetry along the gum line. This imbalance disrupts the harmony of the smile and can be particularly troublesome in the front teeth.

Non-carious cervical lesions

An exposed root can lead to cervical notches that can be detected with a probe. These are caused either by abrasive brushing or by excessive occlusal stress (abfraction).

Inflammation of the gingival margin

Irregular root surfaces make plaque control more difficult. This can cause localised gingivitis, with redness, swelling and bleeding during brushing or probing.

Gingival / periodontal recession

Causes and risk factors for receding gums

Gum recession can be caused by a range of factors. Any treatment must begin with a careful assessment of these factors to guide the treatment strategy effectively.

Mechanical trauma to the gums
Mechanical trauma to the gums

Brushing too hard, particularly with horizontal movements, can damage the gums. Hard-bristled toothbrushes or toothpastes with a high Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) value can make the problem worse.

Anatomical factors in gum recession

Thin gums and a thin layer of bone increase the risk of recession. Misaligned teeth or certain mucosal frena can exert continuous tension that encourages the gum to recede.

Inflammatory bacterial disease

Plaque and tartar trigger an inflammatory response. This response gradually destroys the supporting tissues, causing loss of attachment and resorption of the alveolar bone.

Factors that aggravate gum recession

Poorly controlled orthodontic treatment can weaken the bone and cause recession. Smoking, which reduces blood flow, and oral piercings, which cause repeated microtrauma, are also aggravating factors.

Gingival / periodontal recession

Clinical diagnosis at Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine

The diagnostic assessment carried out at Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine is based on standardised clinical and radiographic protocols, ensuring a high level of precision. During the consultation, the practitioner performs a full examination of the tissues supporting the tooth.

A graduated periodontal probe is used to
  • Measure the gum recession,
  • Determine the depth of any periodontal pockets
  • Assess the amount of keratinised tissue remaining.

Gum recession is classified using the Cairo classification (RT1, RT2, RT3). This compares interproximal attachment loss with buccal attachment loss to assess the likelihood of root coverage after treatment.

This oral examination is supplemented by appropriate radiographic imaging. A panoramic radiograph or three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan can be used to assess the interproximal bone, examine the thickness of the buccal bone plate and analyse the shape of the bone defect with volumetric precision.

Diagnosis of gum recession
Gingival / periodontal recession

The treatment protocol

Our approach first aims to control the cause through interceptive treatment, then to correct anatomical defects through surgery.

1

Treating the causes and deep cleaning

We begin by addressing the causes of gum recession. The dentist helps the patient adopt a gentler brushing method to avoid irritating the gums. The roll technique and a soft-bristled toothbrush are generally recommended to protect the gingival tissues.

If inflammation is caused by bacterial biofilm, periodontal cleaning is carried out. This treatment includes subgingival scaling and root planing under local anaesthetic. It removes bacterial deposits from beneath the gum, cleans the tooth root surfaces and promotes healing of the attachment tissues.

2

Reconstructive plastic surgery (gum grafting)

The microsurgical techniques used are designed to recreate a dense, stable tissue environment that promotes rapid revascularisation.

Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG)

Connective tissue is taken from a donor site, most often the palate. The graft is placed beneath the gum near the recession using a coronally advanced flap or a tunnelling technique. This method generally provides good root coverage and a natural aesthetic result, with the grafted tissue integrating well.

Free gingival graft (FGG)

This technique strengthens the attachment tissues and helps to limit the progression of gum recession. Its main aim is to create a more resistant area of gum to protect the root, although complete coverage is not always achieved. The graft heals gradually through the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).

Gingival / periodontal recession

Why choose Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine for your gum recession treatment?

Surgical treatment of mucogingival defects requires great precision and strict adherence to microsurgical protocols. Located in the heart of Paris (Madeleine, 9th arrondissement), Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine uses current, scientifically validated techniques in periodontal surgery and tissue engineering.

The clinical team, led by Dr Ralph Badaoui, favours a minimally invasive approach to preserve as much tissue as possible. With modern equipment and high-precision microsurgical instruments, procedures are carried out safely and reliably while limiting postoperative discomfort.

Dental health depends directly on the quality of the supporting tissues. If there are signs of gum recession or attachment loss, a clinical assessment can identify the most appropriate course of care. Gum recession treatment at our dental practice in Paris is tailored to each patient. Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine, located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, provides a full diagnosis and personalised treatment based on the characteristics of the gingival tissue.

Gingival / periodontal recession

FAQ: clinical advice and recommendations

Can gum recession correct itself without treatment?

No. Gum tissue does not grow back naturally once the root is exposed. Only appropriate care, which may include surgery, can repair the defect and improve the level of gingival attachment.

What type of toothpaste should I use if a tooth root is exposed?

A low-abrasion toothpaste (RDA below 50) is recommended to avoid further damage to the root. Formulas containing desensitising agents, such as potassium nitrate, help to reduce tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

Is a gum graft painful after the procedure?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is not painful during treatment. Afterwards, there may be moderate discomfort, particularly around the palate if tissue was taken from it, but this is generally well controlled with standard painkillers.

Can I use an electric toothbrush if I have thin gums?

Yes, provided that you use a soft-bristled head and avoid applying too much pressure. The problem is not the electric technology itself but the force exerted on the gum, which can contribute to recession.

Is orthodontic treatment possible if the supporting tissues are weakened?

Yes, orthodontic treatment remains possible if the tissues are stable and free from inflammation. In some cases, a gum graft may be performed before orthodontic treatment to strengthen the gum and reduce the risk of the recession worsening.

Cabinet Dentaire de la Madeleine

Your dental surgeons in Paris for Gum recession

Portrait de Dr. Grégoire Guigne
  • Diplôme de la Faculté de Chirurgie-Dentaire de Paris 5 Descartes
  • DU diplôme universitaire de parodontologie médicale et chirurgicale (Paris 5)
  • DU d’implantologie de l’université D’Evry (Paris XII)
  • CES certificat d’étude supérieur en Parodontologie (Paris 5)
  • CES de Prothèse Conjointe (Université Paris 5)
  • Attaché d’enseignement Hopital Bretonneau (Paris 5)

Parodontiste

Dr. Grégoire Guigne

Chirurgie Reconstructive Parodontale

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Contact our dental practice
 in Paris Madeleine

8 Boulevard de la Madeleine, 75009 Paris

MMadeleine (lignes 8, 14 et 12) et Opéra (ligne 3)
BUSMadeleine – Vignon (lignes 42 et 52)
RERAuber (ligne A)
PMadeleine-Tronchet (21 Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris)
PEdouard 7 (16 Rue Bruno Coquatrix, 75009 Paris)
Ouvert du lundi au samedi — 09h30-19h LUN / VEND - 09h30-19h
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