Dr. Patrick Tanner believes that the best approach to dental care is one that takes into account the aesthetics and wellness of all structures of the mouth. This can be achieved through advanced restorative dentistry that targets the teeth and gums.
One issue that many of our South Ogden patients deal with is gum recession. Gum recession refers to the steady loss of tissue along the gumline. As this happens, more of the patient's root structure becomes exposed. It's a problem that's often misunderstood, so we want to take a moment to consider some of the basics with regard to causes and treatment options.
The first signs of gum recession tend to be tooth sensitivity, particularly with hot substances (e..g., soups) and cold substances (e.g., ice cream). As gum recession becomes more pronounced, people will notice the exposure of more of the root structure of their teeth.
As a person's gums recede, more of his or her tooth structure becomes vulnerable to tooth decay. Tooth decay down around the gumline can be very difficult to treat, and can increase the chances of a root canal infection occurring. Teeth with a significant amount of their root structure exposed can also become wiggly and less stable, making tooth loss more likely.
Some of the most common causes of gum recession include:
It should also be noted that gum recession may be caused by the natural aging process given all of the accrued damage that may affect the gumline over time.
The treatment options for gum recession are many, and they depend on the cause of the gum recession itself.
For gum recession caused by gum disease, treatment will involve the use of antibiotics and antiseptic rinses to help bring the bacterial infection of the gums under control.
For gum recession caused by tooth grinding (bruxism), the best option for care tends to involve the use of a mouth guard to reduce pressure on the teeth and gums or orthodontic care to improve dental alignment and bring the tooth grinding under control.
An important part of treating gum recession is rebuilding any lost gum tissue and covering up the exposed root structure. This can be accomplished using artificial soft tissue grafts or donor tissue (often taken from the roof of the mouth). This soft tissue is stitched into place in order to heal over the exposed root structure and restore the gumline to its original state.
Here are a few ways that you can prevent gum recession from occurring:
For more information about treating gum recession and preventing problems with periodontal health, it's important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. We at South Ogden Smiles look forward to your visit and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.
Dr. Tanner's office and staff are the best!!! I’ve been going to him for over ten years and always have been treated with the best care. Even when I had an emergency, they got me right in. His work is exceptional, and pretty much pain free!!