Overview
Receding gums expose the tooth root, often causing sensitivity, plaque build‑up along the gumline and a “longer tooth” appearance. In Perth, treatment planning usually starts with confirming the cause (brushing technique, clenching, gum disease, thin tissue, orthodontic history, or trauma), then matching care to your goals — comfort, stability and aesthetics.
Most people start with conservative care to calm sensitivity and improve gum health. When tissue is thin or roots are visible and sensitive or at risk, a periodontist may recommend a graft to strengthen and sometimes cover the area.
Receding gums treatment options in Perth
- Desensitising care: high-fluoride toothpaste/varnish and desensitising agents to reduce root sensitivity.
- Gentle hygiene and technique coaching: soft brush, modified technique, low‑abrasive toothpaste, targeted interdental cleaning.
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): removes plaque and calculus if inflammation or pockets are present.
- Bonding at the gumline: tooth‑coloured composite to cover exposed root dentine and reduce sensitivity.
- Bite/night guard therapy: protects teeth and gums from clenching or grinding forces that can worsen recession.
- Orthodontic review (selected cases): to correct traumatic bite contacts contributing to recession.
- Gum grafting with a periodontist: connective tissue or free gingival grafts to thicken tissue and, where possible, cover roots. Alternatives such as tunnelling techniques or pinhole‑style procedures may be considered case‑by‑case.
The right pathway depends on cause, severity, tooth position, tissue thickness and aesthetics. Many plans combine several steps.
Typical Perth costs
Private fees vary by clinic, complexity and whether you see a general dentist or a periodontist. Indicative ranges:
- Exam and necessary imaging: $90–$250
- Deep cleaning (per quadrant): $200–$450
- Desensitising/fluoride application: $40–$120
- Gumline bonding (per tooth): $180–$400
- Custom night guard: $300–$700
- Gum grafts (per tooth/site): $450–$1,200+ (multi‑tooth cases can be $1,500–$3,500+)
Health fund rebates depend on your policy and item numbers. Public dental options are limited for grafting; waiting times may apply for periodontal care.
Timing and recovery in Perth
- Appointments: most general practices can see you within 1–2 weeks; periodontist consults are typically 2–6 weeks.
- Procedure time: deep cleaning 45–90 minutes per side; bonding ~30 minutes per tooth; grafts 60–90 minutes per site.
- Recovery: deep cleaning tenderness 1–2 days; bonding immediate comfort; grafts 2–4 weeks initial healing with soft diet and careful care, full maturation over months.
- Durability: results depend on home care, bite forces and anatomy; your clinician will outline maintenance and review intervals.
When to seek urgent care
Book urgent dental care if you have:
- Severe pain, swelling, pus, fever or rapidly worsening gums
- New tooth looseness or trauma causing gum loss
- Non‑healing ulcers or heavy bleeding
Otherwise, arrange a prompt assessment to prevent further recession and plan staged care if needed.
For broader gum concerns, see Gum disease and local help: Gum disease in Perth or Bleeding gums treatment in Perth.
What changes the plan
- Diagnosis: inflammatory (gum disease) vs mechanical (brushing/bite) vs anatomical (thin tissue).
- Tissue and tooth position: thin biotype or prominent roots increase graft value.
- Bite forces and habits: clenching, lip/tongue ties or piercings can accelerate wear.
- Cosmetic goals: smile line and root visibility may guide grafting vs bonding.
- Budget and timing: care can often be staged to spread costs.
Preparing for your appointment
- List your symptoms (sensitivity, bleeding, appearance changes) and when they started.
- Bring recent x‑rays or dental records if you have them.
- Share medical history and medications, including blood thinners.
- Ask about home care products suitable for sensitive roots and thin gums.
Confidential help
If you want help understanding options, comparing Perth clinics or checking likely costs and timing, you can send a confidential enquiry below. We’ll help you clarify the next step.
This site provides information and referral support. It is not a dental clinic.