Treatment of Gum Recession

Gum Recession Overview

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, exposing the tooth roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, an increased risk of cavities, and an unattractive appearance. If left untreated, gum recession can also cause damage to the underlying bone structure, affecting the stability of your teeth. At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we specialize in identifying the causes of gum recession and providing effective treatments to restore the health and appearance of your gums.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a common dental issue, and its causes can vary. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth.
• Gum Disease: Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, can lead to gum tissue loss as they affect the gums and bone structure.
• Genetics: Some individuals may be more prone to gum recession due to genetic factors that affect gum tissue thickness or immune response to bacterial infection.
• Aggressive Brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down the enamel and gums, leading to recession over time.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching your teeth can put excessive pressure on the gums and cause them to recede.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco can negatively affect gum health, contributing to gum recession.
• Misaligned Teeth: Crooked teeth or bite issues can create pressure on certain areas of the gums, leading to recession.

The Dangers of Gum Recession

While gum recession might initially seem like a cosmetic issue, it can have serious consequences for your oral health:

• Tooth Sensitivity: Exposed tooth roots are more sensitive to temperature changes, causing discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.
• Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: The root surfaces of your teeth are not as protected as the crowns, making them more susceptible to cavities.
• Aesthetic Concerns: Gum recession can cause teeth to appear longer or uneven, which may affect your smile’s appearance.
• Loss of Teeth: In severe cases, gum recession can lead to bone loss around the tooth roots, increasing the risk of tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.

Treatments for Gum Recession

At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we offer a range of treatment options to address gum recession, depending on the severity of the condition. Our goal is to restore the gum tissue, protect your tooth roots, and improve both the function and appearance of your smile.

1. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): If gum recession is caused by gum disease, the first step in treatment is often a thorough cleaning of the affected areas. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which we carefully remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline and smooth the root surfaces of your teeth to promote healing.
2. Gum Grafting (Soft Tissue Grafting): In more advanced cases of gum recession, where significant tissue loss has occurred, gum grafting may be necessary. This procedure involves taking gum tissue from another part of your mouth (often the palate) or using donor tissue to cover the exposed roots.
3. Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST): The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a minimally invasive treatment for gum recession that does not require any incisions or sutures. Instead, a small hole is made in the gum tissue, and special instruments are used to gently reposition the gums over the exposed roots.
4. Gum Tissue Regeneration: In some cases, when gum recession is caused by periodontal disease that has also affected the underlying bone, bone grafting may be necessary. Gum tissue regeneration involves using special proteins to stimulate the growth of both gum and bone tissue.
5. Orthodontic Treatment: For patients whose gum recession is caused by misalignment or crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment may help address the underlying cause. By properly aligning the teeth, pressure on the gums can be reduced, preventing further recession.
6. Tooth Desensitizers and Sealants: In cases of mild recession where tooth sensitivity is a concern, we may recommend the use of desensitizing agents or dental sealants.

How to Prevent Gum Recession

While treatments can restore the health of your gums, the best way to protect yourself from gum recession is prevention. Here are some tips to keep your gums healthy:

• Brush Properly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing motions to avoid damaging your gums. Brush at least twice a day to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline, areas your toothbrush may miss.
• Visit Your Periodontist Regularly: Regular checkups with your periodontist help detect early signs of gum recession and allow for timely intervention.
• Avoid Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly increase your risk of gum recession and gum disease.
• Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can help protect your gums and teeth from the pressure caused by bruxism.

Why Choose SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry?

At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for our patients with gum recession. Our team of experienced periodontists utilizes the latest techniques and technology to effectively treat gum recession and restore your gum health.

The Recovery Process After Gum Recession Treatment

After undergoing treatment for gum recession, it’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications. The recovery process can vary depending on the type of treatment you received. However, most patients can expect some form of discomfort or swelling after the procedure, which is normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication and home remedies.

What to Expect After Treatment:

• Initial Healing Time: Following a gum grafting procedure or the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), it may take several weeks for the gums to fully heal.
• Activity Restrictions: After gum grafting surgery, it’s important to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days to prevent additional swelling or stress on the healing gums.
• Dietary Modifications: You will likely need to follow a soft food diet for the first few days to avoid irritating the treated area.
• Follow-up Appointments: We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and assess how well the gum tissue is healing.

Managing Pain and Swelling:

• Cold Compresses: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your face can help reduce swelling during the first 48 hours following the procedure.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate any discomfort.
• Oral Hygiene Care: While it’s important to keep your mouth clean, you should avoid brushing the treated area until your periodontist gives you the go-ahead.

Long-term Maintenance:

To ensure that gum recession doesn’t reoccur, you will need to practice excellent oral hygiene and attend regular checkups. It’s essential to follow the recommended treatment plan and lifestyle changes to maintain the results of your procedure.

Understanding the Long-Term Benefits of Gum Recession Treatment

While the immediate goal of treating gum recession is to restore gum health and alleviate discomfort, there are many long-term benefits that come with successful treatment.

• Restoration of Gum Health: By covering the exposed tooth roots and reducing inflammation, gum grafts or other treatments help protect against further recession and minimize the risk of tooth decay, root infection, and tooth loss.
• Improved Aesthetics: For many patients, gum recession is also a cosmetic concern. Gum grafting or the Pinhole Surgical Technique helps restore a natural gum line, giving you a more balanced and youthful smile.
• Prevention of Bone Loss: Gum recession treatment can help preserve the bone structure and prevent further degradation, which is critical for maintaining tooth stability and preventing tooth loss over time.
• Reduced Sensitivity: One of the most noticeable benefits of gum recession treatment is the relief from tooth sensitivity.