Can You Fix Receding Gums?
When the gum tissue around your teeth begins to pull back or wears away, pockets can form between the tooth and gum, which collects bacteria. Over time, this bacteria will cause your gums to recede even further, which can eventually result in the loss of teeth and/or bone. Because gum recession denton tx happens so gradually, people often do not notice the issue until it has already progressed.
Common signs to look for that indicate you are experiencing gum recession include:
- Visibly shrunken gums
- Red and swollen gums
- Exposed tooth roots
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Chronic halitosis
- Loosened teeth
- Change in your bite
- Pain or tenderness when biting
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
Although your gums will not grow back naturally, there are steps you can take to slow down the gum recession process. The first step you should take if you have noticed your gums are receding is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. During this visit, they will measure the depth of your pockets and how far your gums have receded to determine what treatment option is best for your specific needs. Gum recession caused by periodontal disease will often begin with a scale and root planing procedure, which involves the removal of plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the surface of your teeth and under your gum line. Once the bacteria has been removed, the gum recession process will either be slowed down or halted. In order to maintain these results and avoid additional gum recession, it will be necessary to follow good oral hygiene habits, which includes gently brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, eating a balanced diet, and scheduling regular dental examinations every six months.
While following these guidelines is essential to reducing your risk of gum recession, it is important to be aware that even following all of these guidelines, factors such as genetic predisposition and aging can still cause gums to recede.
Surgical Treatments
If you have more advanced gum recession that cannot be corrected with a scale and root planing procedure and/or improved self-care, you may be a good candidate for any of the following surgical treatments:
- Flap surgery: Plaque that could not be reached by the scale and root planing procedure can be removed with flap surgery. The procedure begins with a small incision being made in your gum tissue, which is then lifted up in order to access and remove the bacteria, after which your gum tissue is secured back in place. Flap surgery is an effective treatment for preventing bone loss.
- Bonding: Protects the roots of your teeth and corrects the appearance of receded gums by placement of a gum-colored resin over the exposed roots of the affected teeth.
- Gum graft: One of the most common methods for correcting recessed gums, gum grafting corrects recessed gums by surgically placing grafting material over the recessed area, which will protect the tooth and bone from additional damage and restore the aesthetic appearance of your natural smile.
Having receding gums is never ideal, but it is important to be aware that this is a very common condition, and there are many treatment options available. Which treatment option is best for you will be determined largely on the amount of recession and your general oral health.
More on Gum Recession : Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
