Gum Recession Treatment
Gum Recession Treatment in Basel
In brief: gum recession treatment and root coverage
Exposed root surfaces caused by gingival recession can lead to sensitivity to cold or sweet foods, aesthetic concerns and an increased risk of root-surface caries or abrasion. Root-coverage procedures aim to reposition and/or thicken the soft tissue so that the root surface is better protected and the gum line appears more harmonious.
In our Basel practice, recession treatment is planned according to defect type, tissue phenotype, oral hygiene and aesthetic goals. More complex periodontal plastic-surgery cases are managed in close collaboration with specialised periodontists when appropriate, using microsurgical techniques and magnification.
Potential Benefits and Treatment Goals
Reduced sensitivity: covering an exposed root surface can reduce sensitivity in suitable cases.
More harmonious gum line: improvement of gingival height and contour where anatomically achievable.
Protection of exposed roots: improved soft-tissue coverage can make cleaning easier and reduce exposure to abrasion and root-surface caries.
Microsurgical approach: small, tissue-preserving access and fine sutures are used where appropriate.
Individual material selection: autogenous connective tissue, collagen matrices and enamel matrix derivatives.
Who may benefit from root coverage?
Sensitive exposed roots, for example pain with cold, sweet foods or air
Aesthetic concerns caused by uneven gum margins
Exposed root surfaces with abrasion, caries or planned cervical restorations
Good plaque control and stable periodontal health are important. Smoking and uncontrolled bruxism can negatively affect healing and should be addressed before treatment where possible.
untreated periodontitis, inadequate oral hygiene or advanced recession with insufficient attached gingiva where predictable reconstruction is not possible.
Techniques – explained simply
Coronally advanced flap (CAF): the patient’s own gum tissue is mobilised and repositioned coronally to cover the recession.
Tunnel technique: the tissue is mobilised through a minimally invasive tunnel; a connective-tissue graft or, in selected cases, a collagen matrix is inserted and the gum is stabilised in a more coronal position.
Connective-tissue graft (CTG): an established reference technique with strong evidence for root coverage and tissue thickening in appropriate defects.
Collagen matrix: a graft substitute that avoids a second donor site; it may be considered in selected situations, particularly when several teeth are treated, although outcomes can differ from autogenous connective tissue.
Adjunctive options may include enamel matrix derivatives in selected indications or a cervical composite/ceramic restoration when tooth structure has been lost.
Treatment Process
– photographs/scans, recession classification, gingival phenotype, oral-hygiene assessment and bruxism screening.
– optimisation of brushing technique with a soft toothbrush and professional dental cleaning where indicated.
– CAF or tunnel technique with a CTG or collagen matrix; fine sutures and magnification are used for tissue-preserving handling.
– PRF or EMD where indicated, and simultaneous restoration of cervical tooth defects if required.
– protection of the surgical site, gentle rinsing, reviews after 1–2 weeks and again after 6–8 weeks; a night guard may be recommended for bruxism.
Longevity and realistic expectations
With favourable defect anatomy, adequate tissue quality and an appropriate technique, a high degree of root coverage can often be achieved; complete coverage is possible in selected recession defects but cannot be guaranteed.
Risk factors such as smoking, traumatic brushing and uncontrolled mechanical loading can reduce predictability. We address modifiable factors beforehand through oral-hygiene coaching and, where indicated, management of bruxism.
Sensitivity and the appearance of the gum line often improve, but the degree and long-term stability vary with the individual defect and risk factors.
Scientific Context
Current studies support the predictability of tunnel and coronally advanced techniques combined with connective tissue grafting, particularly when plaque control is good and the soft-tissue phenotype is favourable.
Costs and Individual Treatment Planning
(depending on the number of teeth, technique and materials; an individual cost estimate is provided in Basel in advance)
Treatment | Indicative Range |
Single recession (CAF/tunnel + CTG) | 900 – 1’600 |
Several teeth in the anterior region (tunnel + CTG/collagen matrix) | 1’800 – 3’200 |
Collagen matrix instead of a connective tissue graft | + 350 – 600 |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD, optional) | 250 – 450 |
Cervical restoration (if required) | depending on complexity |
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. Mild swelling, tightness or discomfort can occur for several days after surgery.
Connective tissue graft or collagen matrix?
Autogenous connective tissue generally offers highly predictable tissue thickening and colour integration. A collagen matrix can be considered when a donor site is to be avoided or several teeth are involved, depending on the indication.
What can I do to support the result?
A soft toothbrush, gentle cleaning technique, smoking cessation and management of bruxism where indicated can support long-term stability.
When will I see the final result?
Initial soft-tissue healing occurs over the first one to two weeks, while contour and tissue maturation continue for several weeks to months.
Summary
Modern periodontal plastic-surgery techniques can treat selected gingival recessions with a tissue-preserving approach, aiming to reduce sensitivity, protect exposed roots and improve the harmony of the gum line.
If you are unsure whether root coverage is appropriate in your case, we would be pleased to advise you in Basel. Treatment is planned individually, with a microsurgical approach and, when appropriate, in cooperation with specialised periodontists.
Diagnostics and Planning
Planning is based on a structured periodontal assessment. Relevant factors include signs of inflammation, probing depths, bleeding, recession, bone support, oral hygiene and individual risk factors. Treatment and maintenance are tailored accordingly.
Limitations, Risks and Alternatives
Treatment success depends substantially on control of inflammation, effective home oral hygiene and regular supportive maintenance. Smoking, diabetes, pronounced defects or advanced bone loss can affect the prognosis. Not every starting situation can be fully reconstructed anatomically.
Gum recession treatment in Basel: experience and clinical context
In our Basel practice, systematic diagnostics are combined with a clear tooth-preservation strategy. Periodontal and reconstructive aspects are considered together; complex periodontal-surgical questions are managed, where appropriate, in collaboration with suitably specialised colleagues.More about Dr Thomas Gasser’s training and qualifications.
Related Topics on Our Website
Depending on the individual situation, Gum Contouring, Professional Teeth Cleaning or Bad breath (halitosis) may also be relevant.You can find further dental services in Basel in our treatment overview.
Literature and Scientific Context
PubMed PMID 31361330 – Root coverage procedures for treating single and multiple recession-type defects: An updated Cochrane systematic review
The selected literature provides scientific context. Which findings are relevant to a specific treatment depends on the diagnosis, the starting situation, individual risks and the treatment goals agreed together.
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