Protect Your Gums and Restore Your Smile
Gum recession is a common condition that occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to wear away, exposing the tooth roots. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of tooth decay, and an uneven smile. At Cornerstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating gum recession using advanced techniques to restore gum health, protect your teeth, and enhance your smile.
What is Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue recedes from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. It is often caused by factors such as periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, or hormonal changes. Gum recession can result in tooth sensitivity, especially to cold or sweet foods, and may also lead to aesthetic concerns with your smile. If left untreated, it can cause further damage to the gums, bone structure, and teeth.
When is Gum Recession Treatment Needed
Gum recession is a serious condition that can lead to various oral health problems if left untreated. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you notice any signs of gum recession to prevent further damage. Here are some key indicators that gum recession treatment may be needed:
- Exposed Tooth Roots: When the gum tissue pulls back, it exposes the sensitive roots of your teeth, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of decay.
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity: If you experience heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, it may be due to exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession.
- Visible Gumline Changes: A noticeable change in the appearance of your gums, such as the appearance of longer teeth or an uneven gumline, indicates that treatment is necessary.
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing, it can be a sign of gum disease or recession that requires attention.
- Unstable Teeth: In advanced cases, gum recession can lead to loose teeth or gaps, indicating the need for treatment to restore gum health and stabilize the teeth.
Gum Recession Treatment Options
We offer several effective treatments for gum recession, customized to meet your individual needs:
- Connective Tissue Grafts: A common procedure to treat gum recession, involving the transplantation of tissue from the roof of the mouth to cover the exposed tooth roots.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST): A minimally invasive option that uses a tiny hole to reposition gum tissue without the need for sutures.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, promoting gum healing.
- Gum Grafting: If the recession is more severe, a gum graft can be performed to restore the gum tissue and prevent further damage.
We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible. Most treatments are minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gum recession?
Gum recession can be caused by factors such as gum disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, and hormonal changes. It can also result from the natural aging process or teeth grinding.
How can I tell if I have gum recession?
Signs of gum recession include tooth sensitivity, exposed tooth roots, a noticeable change in the gumline, or the appearance of longer teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to visit a periodontist for evaluation.
Can gum recession be reversed?
While gum recession cannot be fully reversed, it can be treated and managed with procedures such as connective tissue grafts, gum grafting, or the Pinhole Surgical Technique. These treatments can restore gum health and prevent further recession.
What are the benefits of treating gum recession early?
Early treatment of gum recession helps prevent further gum and bone loss, protects tooth roots from decay, reduces sensitivity, and improves the overall appearance of your smile.
Is the gum recession treatment painful?
Most gum recession treatments are performed under local anesthesia, so you should not experience pain during the procedure. After treatment, you may experience mild discomfort, but this can be managed with pain relief as recommended by our team.