How to Fix Gum Recession on a Single Tooth

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It is easy to overlook gum recession when it only affects one tooth—but that does not mean it should be ignored. A single area of receding gum tissue can expose the tooth root, increase sensitivity, and signal an underlying problem that needs attention.

Whether it is caused by overbrushing, misalignment, or early-stage gum disease, recession in one spot often has a fixable cause. In this blog, we will explain what might be behind the gum loss, how periodontists diagnose it, and what treatment options can restore a healthier gumline.

Table of Contents

• What Does Gum Recession Look Like?
  • How Gum Recession is Measured
• What Causes Receding Gums on One Tooth?
• Treatment Options for a Single Receding Gum
  • Non-Surgical Treatments for Mild Cases
  • Surgical Options for Moderate to Severe Gum Recession
• Schedule a Consultation With a Periodontist in Colorado
• FAQs

What Does Gum Recession Look Like?

Gum recession appears as the gum tissue pulling away from the tooth, exposing part of the root that is normally covered. 

You might notice a longer-looking tooth, a visible notch near the gumline, or a yellowish area at the base of the tooth where enamel ends and root begins. The exposed root surface is more sensitive and prone to irritation, especially when brushing or eating hot or cold foods.

How Gum Recession is Measured

To understand how serious the gum recession is, a periodontist will look at a few key signs:

• How far the gum has pulled back: They will measure the distance from where your gum should be to where it is now.
• Whether the root is exposed: A yellowish area near the base of the tooth or increased sensitivity can mean the root is no longer protected.
• Depth of the gum pocket: Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth with shallow pockets. If the pocket around one tooth is deeper, it could signal inflammation or early bone loss.

Even if it doesn’t hurt, a receding gum on one tooth is worth checking. Early treatment can prevent further damage.

What Causes Receding Gums on One Tooth?

Gum recession on one tooth is usually the result of repeated pressure or irritation in that specific area. Some of the most common causes include:

• Aggressive brushing: Scrubbing too hard with a firm or even a soft-bristled toothbrush can wear away gum tissue over time. Poor brushing techniques are a common factor.
• Dental trauma: A blow to the mouth or frequent pressure from habits like nail-biting or chewing pens can injure gum tissue around a single tooth.
• Crooked teeth or bite misalignment: If one tooth bears more force while chewing or grinding, the gum tissue surrounding it can recede.
• Gum disease: Localized gum disease due to uneven plaque buildup and poor dental hygiene may cause recession in just one area.
• Thin gum biotype: If your gums are naturally thin, even mild pressure or inflammation can lead to gingival recession.
• Frenum pull: A tight or high frenum can pull on the gum line and contribute to gum recession in a focused spot.

Addressing the cause is essential before considering corrective treatment.

Treatment Options for a Single Receding Gum

When treated at Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants, your periodontist will examine the depth of recession, the health of the surrounding tissue, the condition of the tooth root, and the likely cause of the problem. 

From there, we recommend a personalized treatment plan to restore your gumline and protect the tooth.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Mild Cases

For mild cases of gum recession we may recommend the following:

• Scaling and root planing: Deep dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup under the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gum tissue reattach.
• Topical antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses: These support oral hygiene by reducing bacteria and inflammation.
• Desensitizing agents: Applied to exposed roots, these help reduce tooth sensitivity while supporting gum healing.

These treatments are ideal when the recession is mild, and the soft tissue around the tooth can still recover with conservative care.

Surgical Options for Moderate to Severe Gum Recession

For moderate to severe gum recession we may recommend the following:

• Gum graft surgery: A gum graft uses tissue grafts from your palate or a donor source to rebuild the gum line and protect exposed roots. This is one of the most reliable surgical procedures to treat gum recession.
• Frenectomy: Removing or adjusting a high or tight frenum reduces stress on the gum tissue and allows it to heal properly.

These procedures are designed to restore lost gum tissue, protect against tooth loss, and improve both comfort and esthetics..

Schedule a Consultation With a Periodontist in Colorado

Treating gum recession is not just about improving your appearance. It is a matter of preserving your oral health and preventing complications such as infection, tooth sensitivity, or even tooth loss. A periodontist specializes in soft tissue and bone support for the teeth.

At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants, we offer:

• Extensive experience in gum grafting and gum surgery
• Advanced diagnostics to pinpoint causes of gum recession
• A conservative, patient-centered approach
• Comprehensive care for periodontal disease and exposed roots

We welcome patients at both of our Colorado locations:

To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call or text (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd. #225, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Sloan’s Lake, call or text (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 525 North Raleigh Street Suite 130 Denver, CO 80204.

FAQs