Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away, which exposes some of the tooth. When this occurs, pockets can form between the teeth and the gumline, making it easy for bacteria to accumulate. When this is left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structure of the teeth are damaged, which can lead to tooth loss. Unfortunately, many patients at Think Oral Implants and Periodontics don’t even know that they have gum recession at all. The first sign of this recession is tooth sensitivity.
Reasons for receding gums
There are many reasons why gums may recede including:
- Periodontal disease: This bacterial gum infection destroys gum tissue and is the main cause of gum recession.
- Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to gum disease even if they care well for their teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing or flossing allows plaque to turn into tartar. This buildup can only be removed at a routine dental cleaning. When left untreated, gum recession develops.
- Changes in hormones: Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can make your gums more sensitive and much more likely to develop gum disease or gum recession.
Who is a candidate for gum recession treatment?
The best patient for gum recession treatment is someone with:
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold foods or beverages
- Teeth that look longer than before
- Changes in how a smile looks
- Dark spaces on or near the gums
Restoring receding gums with soft tissue grafts
We offer different kinds of soft tissues at Think Oral Implants and Periodontics:
- Keratinized graft: This is removed from the roof of your mouth and stitched where the graft is needed. This promotes natural growth and is used where tissue needs to be thicker.
- Pedicle graft: This is used when someone needs to share soft tissue between a treatment site and its gum. A flap of tissue is elevated and moved to cover a tooth root. This helps keep blood vessels in place to promote quicker healing.
- Connective tissue graft: This tissue is removed from a small flap in the mouth and stitches to the area being grafted.
Learn more about gum grafting today
When you want to learn more about gum grafting, schedule a consultation with our professional dental team by calling 610-550-3333. During a consultation, we can answer any questions you may have about gum grafting and if you’re a candidate for this treatment. We serve patients in Paoli, Malvern, Berwyn, and the surrounding Pennsylvania communities with advanced periodontal procedures and dental implant treatments.
