Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
When gum tissue recedes from the teeth, the tooth root surfaces become more visible, which may cause pain and make teeth seem longer. Gum tissue not only serves to keep teeth in place but also shields the tooth roots from harmful microorganisms. In its absence, teeth are more likely to feel sensitive and prone to cavities. Several factors may lead to receding gums, but is gum recession reversible, and how is it treated? Our Jonesborough family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share on the blog today how a dentist can reverse gum recession through effective treatments so that you can restore your oral health and smile once again.
Early Gum Recession is Reversible
Gum recession, like periodontal disease or gum disease, may have a subtle onset but progress to a more serious stage if left untreated. Teeth that seem a little longer than usual or gums that don’t quite cover the teeth as they used to might be early gum recession warning signs. Our family dentists in Greeneville may be able to help you stop further gum recession and even things out using a procedure called root planing and scaling, sometimes known as a deep dental cleaning. If the gum recession progresses beyond this level, however, it may be too late to reverse the problem.
When Gum Recession Can’t be Reversed
Root planing and scaling may not be enough to rebuild gum tissue when it recedes far from the teeth, exposing the tooth’s crown. To prevent further gum tissue loss, a gum graft may be necessary for those with advanced cases of gum recession. Our Erwin dentists who treat gum recession explain that repairing gum tissue and protecting teeth with a gum transplant involves an oral surgeon harvesting and attaching healthy gum tissue from another area of the patient’s mouth. Not everyone with receding gums will need a gum graft to preserve their gums and teeth, but individuals with severe recessions may need to explore this alternative.
Gum Recession Treatment
Identifying the gum recession’s root cause is the first and most crucial step in addressing the condition. It’s impossible to treat gum recession effectively unless our dentists in Jonesborough discover and address the underlying cause.
Multiple factors might lead to gum recession, including the following:
- Bad breath
- Grinding teeth
- Unsanitary oral habits
- Use of excessive force while cleaning one’s teeth
Comprehensive dental cleaning is necessary if gum disease is to blame for your gum recession, but you may also need a gum transplant. Changing some home routines, such as switching to a toothbrush with softer bristles, may also help reverse gum recession. Additionally, wearing a custom mouthguard while sleeping helps prevent tooth and gum wear and tear caused by teeth grinding.
Gum Recession Treatment in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
In addition to causing sensitive teeth, receding gums may also create other dental problems. Untreated, they may potentially alter your smile’s appearance and possibly cause tooth loss. If you’ve noticed that your teeth seem longer than normal, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our Greeneville dentist who treats gum recession to determine whether or not gum recession is to blame, and if so, how to proceed with the most effective treatments. If you think you may suffer from gum recession or have questions about the condition, please call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 or contact us online and submit a question or request an appointment today.