Gum Recession Treatment in Fort Lauderdale
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Gum recession is more than just a cosmetic concern. Loss of gum tissue can cause tooth sensitivity, discomfort, and tooth loss if left untreated.
The good news is that effective, gentle treatment options can restore your gum line and protect your teeth.
At the McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics and Implants, we treat gum recession using various techniques, including some of the latest and least invasive approaches available today.
We offer gum recession treatment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots. Also known as gingival recession, this condition occurs when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth begins to wear away or recede.
This exposure leaves the tooth root vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and bacterial infection. Gum recession can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed until symptoms like pain, sensitivity, or visible root surfaces appear.
Common causes include:
- Periodontal disease (the most common cause)
- Orthodontics moving the teeth out of the bone
- Aggressive brushing or use of hard-bristled toothbrushes
- Poor oral hygiene or plaque buildup
- Tobacco use
- Misaligned teeth or bite
- Clenching or grinding
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Previous dental procedures
If left untreated, gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of tooth decay, root exposure, tooth loss, and damage to the supporting bone structures.
Signs of Gum Recession
Receding gums can appear in subtle ways. You may notice:
- Teeth that appear longer
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or brushing
- Exposed tooth root surfaces
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- A notch near the gum line
- Persistent bad breath
If you notice signs of gum recession, schedule a periodontal exam. Early evaluation helps us determine the stage and choose the right treatment.
Why Treat Gum Recession?
Untreated gum recession can lead to serious dental problems, including tooth loss. When gum tissue recedes, it exposes the tooth root. This makes teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and bacterial buildup.
Over time, this can result in tooth sensitivity, root cavities, and even bone loss around the teeth. Without proper treatment, gum recession can progress to the point where teeth become loose or are lost altogether.
Treating gum recession early helps protect your teeth, prevent infection, and avoid more invasive procedures.
Our Gum Recession Treatments
At the McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics and Implants, we offer three proven and advanced treatment options, tailored to your needs and comfort level.
1. Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®)
LANAP® is a laser-based treatment that removes bacteria and infected tissue without cutting or stitches.
If periodontal disease is behind your gum recession, we may recommend LANAP. This FDA-cleared therapy is a gentle, minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. It targets infection deep below the gum line while preserving healthy tissue.
LANAP is the only laser treatment proven to regenerate lost bone and connective tissue. It helps stabilize your teeth and stop the recession at its source.
The benefits of LANAP treatment include:
- Targets bacteria while preserving healthy tissue
- Reduces inflammation and bleeding
- Encourages gum tissue regeneration
- Minimizes post-operative discomfort
- Offers faster healing and minimal downtime
LANAP is an excellent option for patients with advanced gum disease who want to reverse gum recession without the trauma of surgery.
2. Pinhole Surgical Technique™ (PST)
The Pinhole Technique™ gently repositions your existing gum tissue to cover exposed roots—no cutting, grafts, or stitches needed.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is ideal for mild to moderate gum recession not caused by active infection. Instead of removing tissue or using grafts, we create a small entry point in the gum and guide the soft tissue back over the exposed tooth root.
There are no scalpels, no sutures, and most patients experience minimal swelling or discomfort.
The benefits of Pinhole Treatment™ include:
- No incisions or sutures
- Minimal discomfort and swelling
- Immediate cosmetic improvement
- Faster healing time than traditional grafting
- Preserves natural gum color and contour
We were the first practice in South Florida to offer this technique, and Dr. Mark McCawley has demonstrated it live alongside the procedure’s inventor, Dr. John Chao. He is one of only 32 clinicians in the world designated by Dr. Chao as an Advanced Pinhole Clinician.
3. Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafting replaces missing gum tissue to cover exposed roots and restore gum health.
Soft tissue grafting may be the best option when gum recession is more severe or when tissue is too thin to reposition. Graft tissue from your palate or a donor source is used to rebuild lost gum tissue around the teeth.
Our team has pioneered palateless grafting techniques that avoid harvesting from the roof of the mouth in many cases. This approach is less invasive and delivers excellent cosmetic results.
Soft tissue grafting:
- Protects roots from decay and further recession
- Reduces tooth sensitivity
- Improves the appearance of your smile
- Reinforces thin or weak gum tissue
- Offers long-lasting gum recession correction
Grafting may sound intimidating, but our experience and advanced techniques make the process more comfortable and successful than ever.
Why Choose the McCawley Center?
- Protects roots from decay and further recession
- Reduces tooth sensitivity
- Improves the appearance of your smile
- Reinforces thin or weak gum tissue
- Offers long-lasting gum recession correction
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession Treatment
The right treatment depends on the cause and severity of your gum recession. We treat receding gums with LANAP, Pinhole Surgical Technique, or soft tissue grafting. Each method helps restore the gum line and protect your teeth.
Gums do not grow back on their own. However, treatments like LANAP and grafting can restore lost gum tissue and improve coverage.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a newer, minimally invasive option. It repositions your gum tissue without cutting or stitches.
Daily brushing and flossing help keep gums healthy. We use laser treatment or grafting for true regeneration to encourage healing and regrowth.
Not always. But it can lead to tooth sensitivity and root exposure. Treatment can relieve discomfort and prevent further damage.
If your gums are receding, bleeding, or your teeth feel loose, it is time to see a specialist. Early treatment helps prevent serious damage and tooth loss.
Most patients recover quickly. You can return to daily activities within a day with laser, gum grafting or pinhole treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation in Fort Lauderdale
If you have receding gums, you do not have to wait for them to get worse. Early intervention can help reverse gum recession, preserve teeth, and restore a healthy, confident smile.
Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley are recognized leaders in minimally invasive periodontal treatment. Whether you need laser therapy, a graft, or pinhole surgery, we are here to help you take the next step toward lifelong oral health.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
