Treatment Of Receding Gums

Treatment Of Recession

Like almost anything else, the treatment of recession depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. The earlier this problem is detected, the less invasive the treatment is, the less it will cost and the less amount of time it will require.

We can't stress highly enough how much patients stand to gain through regular visits to the dentist — but just in case you missed it, be sure to get twice yearly checkups!

Recession can be mild, moderate or severe for the purposes of patient education. There are more detailed classifications that your dentist will use, however, that is beyond the scope of this article.

Mild Recession

The amount of recession here is minimal, 1-2 mm at most. The treatment is limited to patient education, brushing habit modification and maybe the use of a medicated toothpaste in case sensitivity has started to appear.

If the recession is towards the front of the mouth and visible to others then a surgical procedure to try and return the gums to their original position may be undertaken.

Moderate Recession

This is the most commonly treated stage of recession. The gums have receded 3-5 mm and thus need some sort of intervention. For recession towards the back of the teeth, composite or GIC fillings might be advised in case abrasion defects associated with excessive brushing have appeared.

Surgical options including the use of gum grafts for the treatment of recession are most frequently employed in these situations. Your dentist will likely involve a periodontist (a gum specialist) to carry out the procedure.

The chances of complete elimination of gum defects are quite high although rarely the gum graft does not "take" and other options have to be explored.

All of the above-mentioned information about patient education and brushing modification apply in this situation as well.

Severe Recession  

When the recession has increased to 6mm or more, the amount of destruction is considered severe and is not always amenable to treatment. Some patients may show associated symptoms like loose teeth, bad breath, pain, and swelling.

The doctor has to make an assessment of the clinical situation and then decide if surgical intervention is even an option. Often times, a two-stage approach in which an initial surgery is done to improve the baseline of the defect and then another one a few months later to try and reduce the defect as much as possible.

Extraction may also be needed in some cases where the tooth is beyond repair.

Conclusion

Patients really do not want to reach the stage where they will have to spend significant amounts of money to just regain what they could have always had with a little care. Think about it, everyday things like brushing as advised and visiting the dentist periodically is all that it takes to keep your teeth healthy.

The oral health of a person is also a very good indicator of their overall health and an oral infection can often lead to wider systemic ramifications.