Aesthetic Periodontal Therapy - Treatment of Gingival Recession
Gingival recession is a condition that consists of the gums pulling away from the tooth and exposing the root surface of the tooth.
Healthy, symmetrical gums are an essential part of a beautiful smile.
Gum recession results in asymmetrical gum levels and can be a major cause of an unaesthetic smile.
Aside from aesthetic concerns, gum recession may result in thermal sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet stimuli.
Gingival recession can occur at any time in a person's life.
However, it is most common in people ages 30-40.
Gingival recession is progressive over time.
Small amounts of recession may progress and result in complete loss of gum tissue around a tooth.
This greatly weakens the attachment to the tooth and puts the tooth at risk to be lost.
There are many factors that can cause gingival recession.
One major cause is "toothbrush trauma", or brushing improperly.
Another cause is inflammation due to inadequate oral hygiene and buildup of plaque and tartar.
A major etiology of recession is tooth position; teeth that are tipped or rotated have greater chances of developing recession.
Other possible causes of recession include traumatic habits such as clenching and grinding.
Interestingly, studies have shown that intra-oral piercings such as tongue rings have been linked to severe cases of gum recession.
There are many simple but important ways to prevent gingival recession.
Firstly, use only a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Proper brushing technique involves using gentle, circular motions with the toothbrush pointed towards the gum line.
Regular 3-6 month professional cleanings are critical to maintain the health of your mouth.
In addition, your dentist should check for signs of clenching and occlusal trauma.
There are several treatment options available to manage gingival recession.
The treatments include changing oral hygiene habits, scaling and root planing, use of desensitizing agents for exposed roots, and for severe cases, gum grafts.
In 1965 the first gum graft was performed.
A gum graft involves taking tissue from a donor site, usually the palate, and grafting it to the area where the recession has occurred.
It is a type of plastic surgery procedure which can dramatically improve your smile.
There are alternatives to using palatal connective tissue and involve grafting bone or gum tissue from tissue banks.
These grafts are processed, sterile, and extremely safe.
Regardless of the procedure selected, usually healing is complete in 1-2 weeks.
Gum grafting is safe and effective and many studies have shown that it is the ideal way to recreate and regenerate the original level of gum tissue.
Many studies indicate that patients are extremely pleased with the aesthetic result and the decrease in root sensitivity after healing.
Healthy, symmetrical gums are an essential part of a beautiful smile.
Gum recession results in asymmetrical gum levels and can be a major cause of an unaesthetic smile.
Aside from aesthetic concerns, gum recession may result in thermal sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet stimuli.
Gingival recession can occur at any time in a person's life.
However, it is most common in people ages 30-40.
Gingival recession is progressive over time.
Small amounts of recession may progress and result in complete loss of gum tissue around a tooth.
This greatly weakens the attachment to the tooth and puts the tooth at risk to be lost.
There are many factors that can cause gingival recession.
One major cause is "toothbrush trauma", or brushing improperly.
Another cause is inflammation due to inadequate oral hygiene and buildup of plaque and tartar.
A major etiology of recession is tooth position; teeth that are tipped or rotated have greater chances of developing recession.
Other possible causes of recession include traumatic habits such as clenching and grinding.
Interestingly, studies have shown that intra-oral piercings such as tongue rings have been linked to severe cases of gum recession.
There are many simple but important ways to prevent gingival recession.
Firstly, use only a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Proper brushing technique involves using gentle, circular motions with the toothbrush pointed towards the gum line.
Regular 3-6 month professional cleanings are critical to maintain the health of your mouth.
In addition, your dentist should check for signs of clenching and occlusal trauma.
There are several treatment options available to manage gingival recession.
The treatments include changing oral hygiene habits, scaling and root planing, use of desensitizing agents for exposed roots, and for severe cases, gum grafts.
In 1965 the first gum graft was performed.
A gum graft involves taking tissue from a donor site, usually the palate, and grafting it to the area where the recession has occurred.
It is a type of plastic surgery procedure which can dramatically improve your smile.
There are alternatives to using palatal connective tissue and involve grafting bone or gum tissue from tissue banks.
These grafts are processed, sterile, and extremely safe.
Regardless of the procedure selected, usually healing is complete in 1-2 weeks.
Gum grafting is safe and effective and many studies have shown that it is the ideal way to recreate and regenerate the original level of gum tissue.
Many studies indicate that patients are extremely pleased with the aesthetic result and the decrease in root sensitivity after healing.