Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, revealing the roots beneath. Various factors, including aggressive brushing, smoking, and even genetics, contribute to it. Antibiotics, antimicrobial mouth rinses, and surgery are all options for treatment. Gum recession cannot be reversed, but treatment can keep it from worsening.
Gum disease manifests itself as gum recession. It occurs when gum tissue separates from teeth, exposing the roots beneath. This makes your teeth more prone to decay. As a result, brushing or eating may make your teeth more sensitive. The recession of the gums can be mild, moderate, or severe. It can affect a single tooth or a group of teeth.
While gum recession can occur at any age, it is most prevalent in people over 65. You are more likely to experience a recession if:
- Periodontal disease exists.
- Braces or other orthodontic treatment was used.
- Chew tobacco is an option.
- Have your lip or tongue pierced
Gum recession is a fairly common dental problem. For example, approximately 87% of people over the age of 65 have gum recession on their teeth.
Tooth root exposure is the most visible sign of gum recession. Other symptoms of gum recession include:
- Discomfort or pain near your gum line.
- Heat, cold, and sweets sensitivity
- When brushing and flossing your teeth, you may experience sensitivity.
- During dental cleanings, there is sensitivity.
Gum recession, if left untreated, can lead to other serious oral health issues such as bone loss, tooth mobility, or feeling “wiggly,” or even tooth loss. If you have these symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist at Elevate Dental immediately.
Gum graft surgery is a type of dental surgery. It is the best way to treat gum recession. It treats gum recession, a condition in which the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots beneath. Exposed tooth roots increase your chances of developing tooth decay, sensitivity, and bone loss around your teeth. Gum grafting is a procedure that replaces lost tissue around your teeth and improves your overall oral health.
How Many Teeth Can Be Gum Grafted at Once?
If you need many teeth grafted in your mouth and only want to have this procedure done once, alloderm should definitely be considered. However, if you use your own tissue, the most teeth you can typically graft at once are probably in the range of 7-8 teeth.
What Can You Do Instead of a Gum Graft?
If you need to treat a gum recession but prefer not to have a gum graft, your dentist in Temecula may advise you to consider the following options:
- Surgical Technique Using a Pinhole
A newer procedure known as the Pinhole Surgical Technique has been done during a Gum Recession Treatment In Temecula, CA, and is one of the more popular alternatives to a traditional gum graft. This minimally invasive procedure, similar to orthoscopic/laparoscopic surgery, corrects gum recession by making a small hole in your gum line. Following that, your periodontist will use special instruments to loosen and reposition your gums. This procedure has grown in popularity because it is far less invasive than traditional gum grafting, resulting in a significantly shorter recovery time.
- Root planing and Scaling
Root planing and scaling is a procedure involving the removal of tartar from your teeth or below the gum line (scaling) or tartar from below the root line (root planing). If bacteria are allowed to settle, it eventually mineralizes, increasing your risk of periodontal disease. This can result in gum recession. Regeneration
Gums that have receded significantly can cause bone to deteriorate beneath. Regeneration corrects this problem by peeling back the gum tissue to place a bone graft. However, this procedure is rarely performed unless a patient has severe periodontal disease.
- Contouring of the Gums
Gum contouring is an additional treatment option that can be used instead of gum grafting. Gum grafting reshapes your smile lines with a laser and a scalpel. Before performing this procedure, patients are usually given anesthesia. After the process, the patient will have a bright, new, and aesthetically improved smile. This procedure also reduces the depths of the pockets, making them easier to clean and, as a result, lowers your risk of developing periodontal disease. This procedure is frequently done in conjunction with a gum graft.