Quick summary / impression

• Photo shows localized gingival recession on the lower central incisor(s)** with visible root exposure** and inflammation of the adjacent gum.

• One of the receded teeth feels slightly mobile when you wiggled it — this suggests loss of attachment and possible underlying bone loss around that tooth.

• Overall: mild → moderate localized periodontal loss, but exact severity cannot be confirmed without clinical probing and an X-ray.

Urgency / should you see a dentist now?

Yes — see a dentist or periodontist soon. Mobility and visible recession are signs of active attachment loss. Early intervention improves the chance to save the tooth and increases success of a graft. Use the directory you gave: https://cebudentalimplants.com/map-dental-clinic to find a nearby clinic.

Key things the dentist will (or should) do at the first visit

1. Clinical exam & periodontal charting — measure pocket depths, recession millimeters, mobility grade (I–III), furcation if any.

2. Periapical and/or bitewing X-rays — to check bone level around the affected tooth.

3. Check causes — brushing trauma, tooth position, orthodontic relapse, occlusion (grinding), plaque-induced periodontitis, previous restorations, systemic factors (smoking, diabetes).

4. Initial therapy — professional cleaning / scaling and root planing; oral hygiene instruction; remove local irritants.

5. Re-evaluation (4–8 weeks) — to see if inflammation and pocketing improve before surgical grafting decision.

Is a graft likely needed?

• A soft-tissue graft (connective tissue graft or similar) is commonly used to cover roots and increase attached gingiva in recession cases.

• Decision depends on: depth/width of recession, amount of bone loss, amount of remaining keratinized tissue, tooth prognosis, and patient factors (smoking, health).

• If the tooth is too mobile or has severe bone loss, tooth stabilization or extraction may be recommended instead.

Typical process if you choose to get a graft

1. Pre-op: scale/root planing, improve oral hygiene, manage inflammation; medical history review.

2. Surgery (periodontist or oral surgeon): connective tissue graft from palate or soft-tissue substitute; local anaesthesia; graft placed and sutured.

3. Immediate post-op care: analgesics, chlorhexidine rinse, soft diet, avoid brushing the area for ~2 weeks.

4. Suture removal: usually 7–14 days.

5. Short term follow up: 1, 2 and 4 weeks, then monthly until stable.

6. Long term healing and maturation: tissue continues to remodel — 3–6 months for full maturation and aesthetic settling.

If you only have 14 days (what to expect)

• First 14 days cover the critical early healing: sutures in place, initial attachment forming, swelling and discomfort subside.

• At 14 days: you may have reduced sensitivity and the graft will be stable enough for suture removal, but the graft is not fully mature. Full cosmetic/functional result takes months.

• If you delay treatment for only 14 days before seeing a dentist for evaluation, that short delay is unlikely to dramatically worsen things — but delaying months can.

What will scale up (risks) if you wait or do nothing

• Progressive recession (root becomes more exposed).

• Increasing tooth mobility → may become unsalvageable.

• Root caries (decay on exposed root).

• Sensitivity and aesthetic concerns.

• Periodontal bone loss → eventual tooth loss, shifting of neighboring teeth.

• More complex/expensive treatment later (larger grafts, bone grafting, splinting, implants).

Immediate self-care steps to start right now

1. Book a dental exam — don’t wait. Use your directory link to find a periodontist.

2. Gentle oral hygiene: soft toothbrush, avoid aggressive horizontal scrubbing; consider a soft toothbrush + technique (roll or modified Bass).

3. Use desensitizing toothpaste for sensitivity.

4. Avoid tobacco — smoking drastically reduces graft success.

5. Avoid wiggling the tooth — mobility stresses tissues.

6. Salt water rinses (warm saline) once or twice daily if gums are irritated.

7. If heavy plaque or pus, pain, or fever → seek emergency dental care.

Practical options that the dentist might recommend

• Non-surgical periodontal therapy first (scaling/root planing).

• Gingival (soft-tissue) grafting for root coverage/augmentation.

• Coronally advanced flap + graft if root coverage is realistic.

• Substitute graft materials (acellular dermal matrix) if you prefer less palatal donor site pain.

• Tooth splinting if mobility is moderate and due to localized trauma.

• Extraction & implant only if prognosis is hopeless.

Expected outcome & success factors

• Good outcomes require: control of infection/inflammation, non-smoking, good oral hygiene, and correct surgical technique.

• Predictable root coverage depends on the defect: shallow, narrow recession with good tissue is most predictable. Deep defects with bone loss are less predictable.

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Final comments

• From the photo your case looks concerning enough to see a dentist soon, especially because the tooth is mobile. Early assessment is the single best step to protect the tooth and improve graft success.

• If you want, I can draft a message you can send to a clinic (or to your dental insurance) describing the problem and asking for an urgent periodontal assessment. I can also prepare a short checklist to bring to the appointment (photos, list of meds, smoking status, history of sensitivity/mobility).

• I would recommend seeing a periodontist (dentist who specializes in gums). This is who a general dentist would typically refer you to for a gum graft. You likely are missing bone level as well which is why they are mobile.