Ways to Treat Gum Recession Part III:
Dr. Kim | December 27, 2011As I discussed in Part I of this blog series on receding gums, prevention is always the best when it comes to gum recession. Having a dentist that is qualified to study how the bite comes together is an important factor in maintaining dental health. Also, it is extremely important to visit the dental hygienist on a regular basis, as they are the dental professionals who assess the health of the gum tissue, take measurements of the gum tissue, and recommend specific dental cleanings and products to help prevent gum recession. Here at my Holistic Dental office, we focus on the health of the mouth as a whole. As a holistically minded dentist, I am also trained in O.B.I. which is a specialized way to assess the condition of how the bite and jaw joint come together. Bacterial infection of the gum tissue and uneven pressures in the chewing system are the leading causes of gum recession.
In this blog, I am going to discuss the ways in which receding gums can be treated.
Treating Receding Gums:
1. Treating the bacterial infection present.
Removing the plaque and tartar along with killing the bacteria present surrounding the gum tissue is ideal. My dental hygiene team is highly skilled at providing periodontal treatment. Utilizing the periodontal laser during dental cleanings and more in depth periodontal treatments will disinfect the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. The periodontal laser also increases the healing time in the infected areas.
2. Proper home care.
Investing in an electric tooth brush and dental irrigator will help to remove plaque and debris along with disrupting the bacteria colonies which surround the teeth and gum tissue. Flossing also plays a major role in disrupting bacteria and removing plaque.
3. Bite analysis.
Clinical wear present on the biting surfaces of the teeth (flattening of the teeth) or notches on the sides of the teeth are indications that the bite is imbalanced. This imbalance causes destruction of bones and gum tissue in the areas where the bite has too much pressure. Here at my Holistic O.B.I. dental office we recommend a bite study for those clients looking to prevent further destruction of their teeth and gums. The bite study allows me to simulate and study the jaw joint and bite of each individual after hours to determine the best route of treatment to protect and preserve the chewing system.
4. Orthodontics.
It is true that as adults, when the teeth are moved gum loss can occur. However, orthodontic therapy is recommended most often when the bite is imbalanced. Technology has greatly improved when it comes to moving adult dentition. Experienced Orthodontists have the capability to move adult teeth slow enough as to not damage the surrounding bone and gum tissue.
5. Tissue repositioning.
This procedure is a surgery that is performed by a Periodontist (gum specialist.) When the root is exposed, it is more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity. Tissue repositioning simply is where the gum tissue is surgically lifted out of place, then pulled down to cover the root surface that is exposed. Sutures are placed and the area usually takes 2-4 weeks to heal. This type of surgery is recommended to preserve the health of the tooth.
6. Tissue grafting.
This procedure is also preformed by a Periodontist. When there is not enough tissue in the area of recession, then a tissue graft is placed. The graft either comes from the roof of the mouth or is a collagen material that is placed over the area(s) needing treatment. Again sutures are placed and the grafted area typically heals in 2-4 weeks.
**If you suspect that you have receding gums and are looking for an answer please call my office to schedule an appointment at (951)686-3666.
Topics: Home | Comments Off
Comments are closed.
