Gum Recession: What Is It …And How To Treat It

Shawn Kimmel • Mar 04, 2020
Gum recession describes a loss of pink gum tissue that surrounds teeth leading to exposure of the root surfaces of a tooth or teeth. Besides being unsightly, recession can could disturb the relationship of the surrounding come to issues to the teeth affecting both structure and function and resulting in anything from minor tooth sensitivity to tooth loss in very severe cases.

Gum tissue is supposed to encircle and firmly attached to the next to the teeth and the underlying bone forming a barrier known as attached gingiva it is described as from tissue that resists to abrasive action of foods during eating biting and chewing similar tissue is found on the surface of the tongue at hard palate roof of the mouth.

Over time, gums can become pushed back or can wear away, exposing the pink tissue that protects the roots of our teeth. A receding gum line can be caused by a number of things including genetics and habits. The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease.

 Risk Factors

Most oral health conditions can be prevented with good oral healthcare habits and frequent trips to the dentist. There are several factors that can put a person at a higher risk of gum recession, including the following:

• Excessive Brushing too hard
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Crooked / malpositioned teeth
• Insufficient dental hygiene care
• Tobacco products
• Hormones
• Genetics

Receding gums become a health concern when the roots of the teeth become exposed. At this point, the teeth are at a higher risk of decay, developing an infection, and teeth being lost. Gum recession is a common condition among adults but unfortunately, most people don’t realize their gums are receding until the damage is difficult to reverse.

Early Signs of Gum Recession

The sooner a patient begins gum recession treatment, the easier the reversal process will be. The trick here is noticing the recession before the gum tissue becomes too thin. Sensitive, inflamed, or red gums can be early indicators that your gums are not being cared for properly. Other early signs of gum recession include:

• Bleeding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Red or purple gums
• Swollen gumline
• Long teeth
• Exposed Root
• Loose teeth

If you notice one or a combination of the above symptoms, make an appointment to see your dental professional for an exam as soon as possible. Cases of gum recession that go untreated for a long time are more difficult to reverse, and root surfaces exposed by gum recession can become sensitive to temperature and pressure changes and can also decay or wear way. Exposed roots don’t look too appealing either. Fortunately gum recession is treatable. Gum graft surgery is a procedure that helps to restore gums that have worn down, can help protect teeth, and improve the appearance of a person’s smile.

Gum Recession Treatment; Creating / Regenerating Gum Tissue

The field of periodontal surgery has made enormous strides in the last 20 years. It includes creating or regenerating lost or damaged gum tissues.

The periodontal structures which include the gum tissues are among the most widely researched in the body as a result the specialty of Periodontics has developed predictable surgical techniques to deal with recession.

A periodontal Specialists/Periodontist typically performs these procedures and success of this type of procedure related to the Periodontal surgeon’s know-how; their knowledge of anatomy and experience of which techniques to use and want to use them. Performed properly, these procedures are relatively straightforward with minimal risk of any complications.

Gum grafting is a surgical manipulation of tissue taking it from one site, the donor and moving it to another, the recipient where it will attach and grow. There are two basic gingival grafting tissues techniques the so-called free gingival graft and the connective tissue graft.

Free gingival grafting is used typically to increase the thickness of gum tissue and make it more resistant to recession. This graft involves taking two layers of tissue, the epidermis and the dermis, the first two layers of the skin.

Connective tissue grafting; it is used to cover exposed roots in treatment of gum recession. It is obtaining the connective tissue which is the layer of skin beneath the top layer of skin, the epidermis.

In these techniques gum tissue is taken from the palate, it is shaped from the donor site and transplanted to the recipient site to create new gum tissue. The recovery period is quite short and a soft diet is maintained during that time. Both sides heal in a very predictable manner within 2 weeks.

Prevention

Keep your gums clean and well-maintained by brushing and flossing twice a day, eating teeth healthy foods and drinks and seeing a dental professional twice a year for check-ups professional dental cleanings. Make certain that you use a soft or extra soft toothbrush, not to use too much pressure when you brush, and use toothpaste that is not too abrasive. If you are not certain on the correct type of toothbrushing technique, or type of products that are safe to use, ask a dental professional for reliable advice.

Dr. Dorothy Anasinski and the staff at Dental Specialists of Niles are quite experienced when it comes to doing gum grafts. They will ensure that it gives their patients their best-looking smile. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call them at 847-685-6686 to schedule a consultation.

Published By:
Dental Specialists of Niles
8216 W. Oakton Street
Niles, IL 60714
Phone: (847) 685-6686
Website: https://dentalspecialistsofniles.com/
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