The condition in which your gums pull back from your tooth and expose the root surfaces of your teeth is known as receding gums. This can be considered a form of periodontal disease, but does not necessarily mean that you have active periodontal disease. Receding gums can happen for a variety of reasons. The earlier that you receive your diagnosis, the better your outcome with treatment will be, especially with the help of our cosmetic dentists.
Causes of Receding Gums
Sadly, three out of four adults have some form of gum disease which can sometimes lead to receding gums. This can be caused by a variety of reasons such as:
• Genetics
• Aggressive brushing
• Smoking
• Hormonal changes
• Buildup of hardened plaque
• Diabetes
• AIDS/HIV
• Certain medications
While this condition can occur in people of all ages, it is most common in adults that are 40 or older. It should not be misconceived, however, to be a normal sign of aging and should instead be checked out right away.
Symptoms
Symptoms of receding gums can include the following:
• Bad breath
• Bleeding after flossing or brushing
• Pain at the gum line
• Swollen, red gums
• Noticeably shrinking gums
• Tooth roots that are exposed
• Loose teeth
• Long teeth
• Unsymmetrical gums
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our dental boutique right away. To read more about how even healthy mouths can have gum recession, click here. Don’t lose your smile to something preventable!
What Does a Deep Cleaning Have to Do with Receding Gums?
The first step is for the dentist to diagnose what is causing the recession. In many cases, receding gums are caused by a significant amount of bacteria in the mouth, known as plaque, calculus, or tartar. The first step to preventing gum recession is with a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning will remove the plaque and tartar that the gums are receding away from.
While a deep cleaning does not directly treat existing gum recession, it is the first preventative measure in gum recession that may eventually be caused by bad oral health. If you already have gum recession, it will still be there after a deep cleaning and in some rare cases even get worse at this point. This is because when the bacteria is taken away, the gums will stop swelling and appear to shrink. The only way that you can treat the active gum recession is with a surgical procedure to cover your exposed roots. After your complimentary consultation, we will be able to explain the treatment options that we feel are best for your situation.
Active Gum Disease and Treatment
Gum disease can lead to gum recession. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you may be on your way to gum disease – a potentially serious condition. Periodontal treatment is vital, and our cosmetic dentists are experts in Fort Lauderdale. Active gum disease is manifested in two forms:
• Gingivitis – swollen red gums
• Periodontitis – swollen red gums with radiographic bone loss
To determine if you have either of these we will take measurements with an instrument that allows the dentist to measure the depths around every single surface of every single tooth in your mouth. This information is then entered into a computerized chart on our computer software, so they can be compared from one appointment to the next. While this also allows for a more customized, tailored experience, it also tells us where active bacteria are. Health measurements are between 1-3mm. 4mm pockets are an area for concern. If any measurement or pocket is over 5mm, this is an area that has bacteria-ridden plaque and tartar deposits colonizing the roots underneath the gums and needs to thoroughly removed.
What is Used in a Deep Cleaning?
This deep cleaning may also be referred to as root planning and tooth scaling. In many cases, the doctor may also prescribe antibiotics called “arestin” to help eliminate any harmful bacteria that may remain under the gums after a deep cleaning. Arestin is a comprehensive method used to help clients manage biofilms and bacteria using minimally invasive dentistry. A cavitron allows for ultrasonic instrumentation underneath the gums and we use the most cutting-edge ultrasonic equipment available to remove tarter buildup comfortably.
So Now… How to Correct the Gum Recession?
Since receding gums cannot be treated with a deep cleaning, you will need one of the following surgical procedures:
• Soft tissue graft involves cutting tissues from the roof of your mouth and placing them over the recessed areas.
• Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique – This is the number one way we treat gum recession at Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique & Spa because it is a specialized treatment that doesn’t involve any cutting or sutures and provides immediate results.
Following surgery, the results will include a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health. If surgery is needed, we will be able to determine the surgical procedure that is best for you based on your individual needs which are all a part of the tailor-made dental experience that you will have at our boutique.
Why Choose Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique & Spa?
In addition to treating gum recession, we can treat a variety of other conditions as well. Our services include:
• Veneers
• Dental Crowns
• Botox and Fillers
• Microblading
• Eyelash Extensions
• Vampire Facelifts
• And much more!
We offer complimentary services as well as add-on services when you visit our boutique and spa. Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique and Spa has a relaxing and tranquil environment so that you can be comfortable while getting your dental work completed. Learn more about our services or schedule your complimentary consultation by filling out the form below or calling 954.524.2300.