Gum recession is the process in which the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away from a tooth, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth's root. This can cause damage to supporting bone.
Controlling gum disease and ultimately restoring health and appearance to damaged gums and tooth-supporting bone requires aggressive treatment—sometimes even surgical measures known as Periodontal (gum) Surgery. Flap surgery is today's leading method for treating and repairing periodontal pockets.