
Gum Recessions
What Is the Cause of Gum Recessions?
Over time, you can expect a moderate amount of tooth recession that is perfectly normal. However, when you have excessive tooth recession that is onset rapidly it can be very bad for your oral health. Aside from age, there are a number of other factors that can lead to tooth recession including:
- Incorrect brushing: While brushing your teeth regularly is extremely important, there are right and wrong ways to do it. If you excessively brush your teeth using horizontal strokes it can damage your teeth and gums, especially if you are using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Poor orthodontic treatment: If you have previously had braces or other orthodontic treatment that moved teeth too far away from their original position it can lead to receding gums.
- Genetics: Some people are just born with gums that are thinner than normal which is more likely to require gingival recession treatment.
- Trauma: Collisions or incidents that can knock teeth out of place.
- Poor habits: If you clench or grind your teeth (especially in your sleep) it can have detrimental impacts on both your teeth and gums.
- Piercings: Lip and tongue piercings can rub against your gums and wear away at them over time.
- Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles or one with a pressure sensor.
- Use the correct technique when brushing your teeth.
- Regular dental visits and good home oral care will help you to prevent gum disease and keep your gums healthy.
What Happens If I Fail To Repair Receding Gums?
A sign that this has occurred can be a wedge-shaped defect or a visible notch located at the base of the tooth. It is this area of the tooth that is most susceptible to decay, sensitivity, and even nerve exposure that may require root canal treatment or removal.
What Are the Treatments for Gum Recession?
There is no need to feel embarrassed or self-conscious about gum disease. At Focus Dental, we provide gum health restoration, and whenever appropriate, we can restore your receding or missing gum (gingiva).
An implant or a gum grafting procedure can often be used to treat receded gums. During periodontic surgery or periodontal plastic surgery, the gum tissue is reconstructed or the position of the gum is altered to create an aesthetically and functionally acceptable shape and position.
Dental implants may require gum grafts to augment thin or missing tissues around implants, to restore receding or aged gum, to cover unsightly or sensitive root surfaces, to thicken weak and delicate gums, and to cover unsightly or sensitive exposed tooth roots.
Treatment for gum regeneration is also known as gingival grafting, gingival grafting, or gum grafting. During this procedure, the periodontal soft tissues that are thin, receding, or expected to recede are regenerated or modified.
Aside from grafting, there are other measures available including repositioning the gum back into place where possible or grafting using connecting tissue and thickening the gums themselves. Focus Dental will always favour the least invasive method possible to fix receding gums to ensure the best result and the least discomfort for yourself.