How to Treat Gum Disease
Treating
Gum Recession
Dr. Maddux Discusses Treatment Options for Gum Recession
Receding Gums Treatment
Receding gums is a serious condition if left untreated can eventually result in tooth loss and decaying of the bone surrounding your teeth. Poor oral hygiene is a common cause. Dr. Maddux will examine your gum tissue to identify why the gum recession is occurring. Depending on the severity of your case and whether it has affected underlying structures like connective tissues or the bone surrounding your teeth, he will choose the most appropriate level of treatment.
Dr. Maddux Discusses Treatment Options for Gum Recession
Gum Recession
Is An Early Sign of Gum Disease
Gum recession is common and occurs when the gum margin that should tightly fit around the tooth begins to pull away, exposing more of the crown of the tooth and in some cases even the tooth root. If you have receding gums, it is often times an early sign of gum disease, as the pockets created or gaps in between the teeth provide a ripe environment for disease causing plaque bacteria to grow. Untreated gum disease can destroy the structures supporting the teeth, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.
Gum Recession
Common Treatments
Many common treatments for gum recession include deep cleaning or scaling and root planing which deep cleans the gums. Similar to regular hygiene treatment, your teeth receive a deep clean, however you will also receive cleaning or scaling on any exposed tooth roots where calculus tends to build up. Dr. Maddux may recommend scaling and root planing treatments as an ongoing maintenance plan to prevent periodontal disease from recurring.
This process removes infection from the gums to aid in healing. Antibiotics can also be prescribed to help treat any remaining bacteria. If you have a more severe case of infection, your are likely to have deep pockets around your teeth which may have destroyed gum tissue and bone. This may require some additional surgical procedure to help repair the damage.
Advanced Treatments for Gum Recession
Dr. Maddux may recommend more advanced treatments to surgically remove the bacteria causing the infection and these treatments can also help to rebuild tissues destroyed by periodontal disease. Some of these treatments are extremely sophisticated, using advanced bone grafting techniques and gum grafting procedures to help restore lost tissues. These surgical treatments not only help to replace lost bone and gum, but will also protect the teeth and improve the overall aesthetic appearance of your smile.
- Guided tissue regeneration can help replace lost gum and bone tissue through inserting regenerative material into the affected areas which helps encourage your body to rebuild gum and bone.
- Gum grafts: use gum tissue taken from another area in your mouth, and which is secured around the affected tooth.
It is possible to prevent gums from receding by practicing good dental care. This includes taking care of your teeth and gums at home, and attending regular checkups with your dentist. Quitting smoking and eating a balanced and healthy diet can also help you have a healthy and long-lasting smile.