Understanding Gum Recession is a major point of concern for many dental patients. Receding gums expose the sensitive root areas of your teeth and can lead to a variety of problems, from severe gum disease to tooth loss. Fortunately, we have treatment options to reverse the gum recession and restore the health of your mouth. From root scaling and planing to surgical gum grafts, there are solutions, but they must be done quickly to avoid tooth loss.
What is Gum Recession?
A recession occurs when the tissue moves apically from the base of the tooth and exposes the root surface
What Causes Gum Recession?
- Physical trauma (brushing too hard, incorrectly brushing, using abrasive toothpaste, using hard bristle toothbrush)
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Parafunctional habits (clenching and grinding)
- Tooth position
- Prominent frenum (muscle) pulls
What are Signs & Symptoms?
- Gum tenderness and/or bleeding during brushing
- Sensitivity to hot and/or cold
- Poor esthetics (exposure of darkened root surfaces and gingival asymmetry)
Why is it Important to Receive Treatment?
- Enhances esthetics
- Protects against cavities on the root surface
- Prevent additional soft tissue loss
- Prevents additional underlying bone loss
- Aids in the prevention of tooth loss (in more extreme cases of recession)
When Should it be Treated?
- Progressive recession
- Uncontrolled sensitivity and/or inflammation
- Esthetic concerns
What Are Some Treatments?
- Autogenous tissue graft (using your own tissue from the roof of the mouth)
- Donor tissue graft (using cadaver tissue)
If you feel like you have receding gums, and you want more information on understanding gum recession be sure to schedule an appointment with us today.
