Receding gums aren’t just an unsightly cosmetic issue. They’re also a detriment to your oral health and can cause a lot more problems. Sandy Springs, GA dentist, Dr. Brenda Paulen, offers a variety of treatments to deal with gum recession. Which one is right for you?
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession can be caused by any number of things. If you remember your parents having issues with their gums and teeth as well, there’s a chance it’s genetic. You may have genetic factors that compromise the structure and integrity of your gums. Gum disease is also a big cause of gum recession
There are medical conditions and medications that can weaken your gum tissue. This makes the gums more likely to recede. Lastly, if you’re using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brush your teeth too vigorously, you may be doing more harm than good. The gum tissue is sensitive, and this can actually wear it away instead of cleaning it and making it stronger.
Why is it Important to Treat Gum Recession?
The gums are a crucial part of keeping your mouth healthy. Your gums are what hold your teeth in place. They support the strength of your teeth, covering the roots and making sure they stay healthy. With receding gums, you’ll be exposing more of your teeth, which makes you more vulnerable to things like tooth decay. If it’s caused by gum disease, you may also have constant bad breath and swollen gums.
Receding Gums Treatment
The treatment you get for receding gums all depends on the cause of the recession. Some issues cause more damage than other ones. You may have receding gums in just one area, or it can be your entire mouth.
For very minor cases of recession, as well as isolated cases, dental bonding can be used. Dr. Paulen will match the composite resin to the color of your teeth. She’ll then apply the material to the bottom of the tooth, covering the tooth root again. If a few of your tooth roots are showing, this is a cost-effective and easy option.
For more extensive recession, Dr. Paulen offers pinhole gum rejuvenation. This is a non-invasive procedure that uses a special tool to slowly pull the gums to cover the desired area. This procedure can be completed in one appointment. It doesn’t require surgery like other gum recession treatments used
However, if the recession is an extreme case, oral surgery may only be the only option. Other treatments do have their limits. For oral surgery, you’ll have to get tissue grafts to cover the exposed area.
Your Dentist in Sandy Springs, Georgia
At Proud Smiles, we’ll evaluate your gum condition and see which one of the gum recession treatment options is right for you. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to get started!