Gum recession is a common problem that can lead to tooth loss without proper treatment. While there are home remedies and lifestyle changes that should be implemented to help stop and even reverse gum recession, some cases require professional dental treatments. Periodontists specialize in treating gum diseases, including periodontal disease, the leading cause of gum recession. Here are the most commonly used treatments recommended by periodontists for patients experiencing advanced stages of gum recession:
Gingival Grafts
Also known as soft tissue grafting, gingival grafts may be used to stop further gum recession or to create an adequate amount of healthy gingival tissue around teeth affected by receding gums. The procedure involves taking tissue from other areas of your mouth (or from a donor) and using it to cover the exposed roots or defects caused by moderate-to-severe recession. This form of treatment helps protect teeth against decay while improving aesthetics in severe cases.
Connective Tissue Grafts
When extensive bone loss has occurred due to deep pockets between teeth, your periodontist may choose connective tissue grafts over gingival grafts. With this solution, a portion of the your palate is taken and then stitched into place on recessed areas as an additional layer of protection and improved aesthetics in extreme cases.
Regenerative Procedures with Membranes
This method utilizes membranes placed over areas affected by gum recession, followed by the application of a regenerative material to help stimulate new tissue growth in those particular spots. This process also helps reduce pocket depths in infected areas so that you can better maintain your oral hygiene afterward. In some cases, the membrane can be removed after several months when enough new tissue has been generated or earlier if needed due to irritation or soreness.
Crown Lengthening Surgery
For severe cases where steeply angled crown margins exist, your periodontist may recommend crown lengthening surgery with an adjacent soft tissue flap procedure simultaneously to achieve optimal results with minimal chance of infection down the road. During this process, excess gum and bone tissues are surgically removed from around affected teeth before reshaping crevices, so that crown margins are adequately exposed for aesthetic purposes. If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to gum recession, such as pain when brushing certain teeth or small cuts near your gums due to sharp edges on roots being exposed due to receding gums, please don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice from your periodontist soon so you can receive proper treatment before it’s too late — taking preventative measures now could save you from significant discomfort in future.
Getting the Right Treatment for Your Gum Recession
When you are ready to address your gum recession, speak with your periodontist to better understand which of the above treatments might be best for you. The dedicated professionals at Derby City Dental Specialists have extensive experience in treating gum recession in Louisville. Dr. Clagett recommends less invasive treatments where possible, and when grafting is necessary, he uses the advanced side access mucosal releasing incision (SAMRI) technique to ensure the process is only minimally invasive.
If you would like to learn more about treating your gum recession, check out our blog today.
