Receding Gums Treatments

Periodontal disease is a common dental issue, especially in patients over the age of 40, but regular visits to your dentist can help catch developing periodontal disease early so that treatment can be administered. Early stages of periodontal disease are very treatable and may not have any lasting impact. However, left untreated, periodontal disease and gum recession can lead to much more serious oral complications, including tooth loss.

Gum recession most often a sign of periodontal disease, which typically is a result from poor oral hygiene. Some patients are more susceptible to developing periodontal disease and gum recession due to age, genetics, or underlying medical conditions. Gum recession can lead to exposed tooth roots and cause significant sensitivity and even tooth loss.

Receding Gums Treatment

As with most dental issues, gum recession will not resolve on its own; it requires intervention by your dental team. Gum tissue will not grow back on its own and cannot be reversed, but it is treatable. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of your gum recession. Minor cases can often be treated by your regular dentist, but if you have a more severe case, they may refer you to a periodontist.

Scale and Root Planing

A deep cleaning is a great treatment option for more minor cases. Scale and root planing (deep cleaning) is a non-surgical procedure used to remove tartar and bacteria from around the surfaces of your tooth roots. A local anesthetic is administered to the area being treated to keep you comfortable while your provider cleans the gum pockets below the gum line. Most offices prefer to split this treatment into two visits, treating one side of the mouth at a time, so that your entire mouth is not numb for an extended period. This type of cleaning often clears up any infection and allows the gum tissue to heal closer to the tooth roots, encouraging a healthier gum line.

Gum Grafting

Severe gum recession may be treated with gum surgery. A gum graft is a common procedure in which a piece of tissue is harvested from the roof of the patient’s mouth and placed over the affected area. Some doctors may also offer cadaver donor tissue or synthetic tissue, which are typically considered a less painful option since you do not have two surgery sites healing at the same time. The graft will integrate with the healthy surrounding tissue as the site heals.

Flap Surgery

Another surgical option is called flap surgery. For this procedure, an incision is made in the affected tissue, and it is flapped down, giving your provider access to the underlying structures. The doctor can remove tartar and bacterial buildup to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots, then suture the tissue back in place.

It is important to address any concerns as soon as possible. Taking the time to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss at least once a day can keep your mouth healthy and avoid any unnecessary dental issues. Prevention costs less than treatment!

Related Article: Can Receding Gums Grow Back?