Good question. The answer is no. Gums will not naturally grow back around the tooth base. The good news is there are gum grafting procedures a periodontist can do to repair the damage.
Connective Tissue Graft
Gum grafting using connective tissue requires opening a small flap — sometimes called a “trap door” — in the roof of your mouth and extracting a piece of connective tissue. The tissue is grafted onto the spot where gums have receded.
Free Gingival Graft
In contrast to the “trap door” technique, a free gingival graft removes a small piece of top tissue from the roof of your mouth and grafts it onto the affected area.
Pedicle Graft
A pedicle graft involves grafting tissue harvested close to the affected site. The periodontist creates a flap of tissue and secures it over the affected area. Pedicle gum grafting is often preferred as it does not cut off the blood flow in surrounding gum tissues. The process requires a good amount of healthy tissue; it is less than ideal when the recession is extensive.
Alternative Graphs
Gum grafting is commonly performed on healthy tissue. If it is impossible and a large area needs to be covered, the periodontist may use tissue harvested from cadaver or porcine (pig) sources. A periodontist is required to tell you if he recommends this method.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Practice good oral hygiene
- Floss between the teeth at least once a day.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush teeth twice per day using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and flush out debris.
- Chose a size and shape toothbrush that allows access to all parts of the mouth.
- Replace toothbrushes at least every 2 – 4 months.
- Make regular dental appointments.
Use the correct brushing technique
- Place the toothbrush against the gums at a 45-degree angle.
- Applying gentle pressure, sweep the toothbrush back and forth using small, tight strokes
- Brush the outer and inner surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces, of the teeth.
- When cleaning the inner surfaces of the front teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically.
- Brush the teeth for 2 minutes in total.
Wear a Mouthguard
Clinching and grinding of teeth is a contributor to receding gums. Mouthguards fitted by your periodontist create even pressure across the jaw and act as a physical barrier to separate top and bottom teeth. Guards prevent tooth movement that contributes to loosened teeth and gum recession.
Dentures
Ill-fitting dentures can be a source of gum irritation. Your dentist can check for fit issues and adjust dentures to prevent irritation.
At Thinking of Oral Implants and Periodontics, we specialize in keeping your gums healthy and infection-free. If you live in the Paoli, PA area and need advice on gum issues call us now and set up a free consultation. Thinking of Oral Implants and Periodontics, offices located at 250 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 215, Paoli, PA 19301 (610) 550-3333.
