Treating Receding Gums for Better Oral Health
Receding gums is a condition in which the gum line is gradually lowered, leaving a larger portion of the tooth exposed. In fact, this process happens so gradually that patients often do not know they are suffering until the symptoms become dramatic. These symptoms can include increased sensitivity, inflammation of the gums, and teeth that appear longer than usual. Because the gums are the only protection that the tooth root has from bacteria, receding gums can be considered a serious condition. It can often leave teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities. For this reason, it is important to treat receding gums as early as possible.
Receding gums are the most obvious symptom of gum disease. Gum disease causes often include poor dental hygiene and plaque buildup. By recognizing the gum disease causes, you can prevent it as well as receding gums. For patients who are already suffering from receding gums, they can undergo gum grafting surgery. There are currently four different gum grafting procedures available:
- Pinhole Grafting: The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a surgical-free, suture-free, graft-free, minimally invasive procedure for correcting gum recession and saving teeth.
- Connective Tissue Grafts: In this procedure, a flap of skin is cut in the roof of the mouth so that tissue can be removed from beneath the flap. The tissue is then stitched to the gum line and given time to attach itself.
- Free Gingival Grafts: This is essentially the same as a connective tissue graft, except that tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth with cutting a flap.
- Pedicle Grafts: In this method, tissue is taken directly from the gums by our periodontist in Greenwood Village. A flap of skin is cut from the gum tissue and pulled up to cover the tooth enamel. The tissue is then stitched into place and given time to heal.
The exact type of gum grafting used will depend on the specific circumstances. For more information about treatment for receding gums, contact Dr. Adam Weaver to schedule a consultation!