Treating Gum Recession with Periodontal Care
Gum recession is a common dental problem where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back or wears away, resulting in more of your teeth or the roots of your teeth becoming exposed. One of the leading causes of gum recession is gum disease. Gum disease develops when bacteria attaches to your teeth and begins to multiply, eventually forming a film around your teeth called plaque. When plaque remains on your teeth for an extended period of time, surrounding tissue becomes irritated and inflamed, which can cause patients to develop gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
If gum disease is not addressed at this stage, it may progress to the next stage, periodontitis. This stage is characterized by gums that are more inflamed and prone to bleeding, as well as deepening pockets between the tooth and gum tissue. As these pockets deepen, more bacteria accumulate, which then degrades the soft and hard tissue, causing gum recession to increase in severity. At this point, the roots of surrounding teeth can become infected, resulting in teeth becoming loose or painful, as well as jawbone deterioration.
From regular periodontal maintenance to repairing, correcting, and preventing periodontal disease, including the placement of dental implants, we are proud to provide you with the highest quality dental care available in a comfortable environment. We are also committed to ensuring you know as much as possible about your oral health so you can make important, informed decisions regarding your oral health and treatment options. To learn more about causes and treatment options for gum recession, please refer to the following information. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment for correcting gum recession, contact us today at (740) 366-3559.
Cause of Gum Recession
To effectively correct gum recession and prevent similar issues from developing in the future, it will be necessary to identify the core reason gum recession is occurring in the first place. Common causes of gum recession include the following:
- Severe periodontitis
- Genetic predisposition
- Misaligned teeth
- Bruxism
- Poor dental hygiene at an early age
- Aggressive Brushing
- Tobacco Use
- Trauma
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Reducing Your Risk of Gum Recession
The recovery process following treatment for gum recession will be informed by the type of procedure you have performed and the severity of your case. It is common to experience some swelling and mild discomfort, especially following a gum graft, but this can be managed by using ice packs and over-the-counter pain relieving medication. If you are prescribed antibiotics, be certain to follow the recommended dose until your prescription runs out.
To prevent similar issues from developing in the future, is important to practice good oral hygiene. Along with following good self-care, schedule regular checkups with your periodontist at least every six months. These regular appointments allow us to conduct a professional cleaning that will remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed using traditional methods, and provide an opportunity to survey your current oral health and identity and address issues before they develop. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright, healthy smile for many years to come!
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
There are several treatment options available for correcting gum recession, including the following:
- Gum Grafting: Gum grafting is one of the most effective methods for addressing gum recession. There are several different types of gum grafts, but all of them involve the removal of healthy gum tissue (or use of donor tissue) that is placed over the area where the gums have receded and sutured in place to return the gums back to their normal, healthy state. Although the procedure is mildly invasive and there is recovery time involved, advances in dental techniques have made this procedure much less painful, and the benefits far outweigh the consequences of not correcting your gum recession.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique: Pinhole Surgical Technique is an innovative procedure that corrects gum recession in a noninvasive, efficient manner. Pinhole Surgical Technique corrects gum recession by making small pinholes (2 mm) in the gums. Next, special dental tools are used to massage gums back to a healthy, symmetrical position through these pinholes. This procedure has grown in popularity due it being noninvasive, suture free, and because multiple teeth can be treated in one visit.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: A popular method for facilitating gum regeneration is Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR). GTR facilitates gum regeneration through the placement of barrier membranes, which prevent cells from penetrating the gums and allows for gingival tissue and new bone to grow.
Cost of Treating Gum Recession
The cost of treating gum recession will depend upon the severity of your case, what procedure is performed, and how much (if any) of the cost is covered by your dental insurance plan. We are happy to help you file your claim and ensure that you maximize your insurance reimbursement, but any remaining balance will be your responsibility.
If you are not able to pay the full amount due at the time services are rendered, the following financial options may be available:
- Care Credit: 0% interest for (maximum) three months (Our office pays a fee to keep this interest loan freefor three months, provided the bill is paid on time)
- 0% interest for pre-authorized debit/credit card for (maximum) four months (Agreement must be signed beforehand)
- Most credit card companies provide interest-free credit for one year to new cardholders.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists, our patients are our most important asset. We are committed to providing you with high-quality care and developing a trusting, long-lasting relationship to ensure you receive continuity of care tailored to your unique needs.
To schedule an appointment to treat gum recession, or to learn more about other services we offer, contact
our staff at (740) 366-3559.
We look forward to providing you with the care and support you deserve!
