What is Gum Recession and How is it Treated?

People that are suffering from gum recession have their gum tissue slowly erode. The amount of gum tissue that surrounds the teeth slowly disappears or recedes back toward the root of the tooth.  This can be a sign of gum disease and become painful over time.

The main danger with a receding gum line is that the area between your teeth and gums will become exposed for bacteria to gather and cause infection or disease.  People with receding gums are at greater risk for losing their teeth.

Many people suffer from gum recession.  This regularly occurring phenomenon often goes untreated because it happens gradually, without causing an alarm.  By the time some people notice the problem an infection has already set in.

Signs of gum recession:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Teeth looking longer than they used to
• Feeling a notch near the gum line.

What causes gums to recede in the first place?

It is possible for gums to recede without provocation.  There are, however, risk factors you can avoid.

• Aggressive tooth brushing.  Try using a toothbrush with soft bristles and go gently around your gum line.  An electronic toothbrush is your best option.
• Hormonal changes.  Women are more susceptible to having receding gums after periods of hormonal changes like pregnancy and menopause.
• Tobacco.  Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can leave plaque on teeth, increasing the risk of all oral health problems.
• Periodontal disease.  This is a bacterial infection that can destroy gum tissue.
• Genes.  According to several studies, over 30 percent of the population is predisposed to receding gums.
• Poor dental care.  People that don’t visit the dentist for teeth cleanings and checkups are more likely to experience all types of dental problems.

Treatment Options

If you are suffering from gum recession there are various ways to treat it. A laser dentist, like Dr. Pechak, is able to provide the least painful treatment options by using modern laser technology.

Treatment includes:

• Tooth scaling and root planning.  This involves a deep cleaning of the teeth and gum area.  The dentist will take a tool and place it underneath the gum line to remove plaque.  Dr. Pechak uses a laser to remove the plaque under the gum line, so the patient doesn’t have the pain, swelling, or bleeding usually associated with this procedure.
• Pocket depth reduction.  In this procedure, a dentist folds the gum tissue back, removes bacteria, and secures the gum tissue over the root line which eliminates any pockets or gaps. 
• Connective tissue graft.  Tissue taken from under the roof of your mouth is stitched to your gum line.  The tissue grafts together to create a new gum line.

Gum recession and subsequent treatment is a serious health concern that should be treated by an expert dentist.  Laser dentistry can provide relief in a minimally invasive way.  Dr. Pechak treats receding gums and provides laser dentistry, making the Perio & Implant Center of the Monterey Bay a destination for patients with all types of oral health concerns.