Receding gums is a condition that occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds a person's teeth deteriorates and wears away, exposing the root of the tooth. Most people do not know that they have receding gums because it occurs gradually, over a long period of time. The most noticeable sign of gum recession is an increase in the appearance of the length of a person's teeth. Excessive tooth sensitivity is also an early sign of gum recession.
Bacterial gum infections destroy gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds teeth in place. A large percentage of gum recession is caused by gum disease.
Genes are another factor that can lead to gum recession. Some people are likely to experience gum recession regardless of how well they take care for their teeth due to their genes.
Aggressive tooth brushing may predispose a person to gum recession. A person who brushes too hard will most likely experience gum recession if the habit persists for too long.
Failing to care for the teeth adequately is another factor that may make a person experience gum recession. Inadequate brushing can lead to plaque buildup which leads to gum recession.
Hormonal changes in the body can also make a person experience gum recession. This is particularly common among females.
Receding gums cannot grow back naturally. However, there are surgical procedures that can be performed to restore the appearance of a patient's gums. Also, several steps can be taken to prevent the condition from worsening.
When a person is dealing with gum recession, making an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible will ensure that the recession does not deteriorate further. The dentist will assess the recession that has occurred and determine the most effective steps to take to stop it. For patients who have bacteria in the spaces created by receding gums, the first step that would be to deep clean the area. Also, a dentist may perform scaling and root planning in order to remove tartar from the teeth and underneath the gum line.
One of the surgical procedures that may be performed by an oral surgeon to treat gum recession is regeneration. If the bone and tissue supporting teeth have been damaged as a result of gum recession, the oral surgeon will perform treatments to regenerate lost bone and soft tissue.
Gum grafting is another surgical procedure that can be used to correct gum recession. During this procedure, an oral surgeon would take gum tissue from another part of the mouth and place it around the affected area.
Finally, bonding can be used to correct gum recession. During this procedure, a gum-colored resin would be placed around the roots of the affected teeth. This would reduce the appearance of receding gums and also protect the roots of the teeth.
Are you dealing with receding gums? Schedule a consultation with one of our endodontists today.
Call (703) 745-3227 today to reach Titan Dental Care.
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