Gum Recession Treatment in Valencia, CA

Gum recession is when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth and exposes the roots underneath, and Cleveland Clinic describes it as a form of gum disease. The exposed roots make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities, and your teeth can become more sensitive when brushing or eating.

Recession can be mild, moderate or severe, and it may affect one tooth or several. It is common: approximately 88% of people over the age of 65 have gum recession on one or more teeth. It can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in people over 65.

The signs of receding gums begin with gums that pull away from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer, as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) describes it. The most apparent sign is an exposed tooth root.

Other warning signs include pain or discomfort near the gum line and sensitivity to heat, cold and sweets, when brushing and flossing, or during dental cleanings. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to bone loss, loose teeth or even tooth loss. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Gum recession is caused by brushing too hard, plaque or tartar buildup, periodontal disease, injury to the gum tissue, misaligned teeth, smoking or chewing tobacco, and lip or tongue piercings, according to Cleveland Clinic. Poor oral hygiene often contributes, but not always: many people simply have a genetic predisposition to thin gum tissue.

You are more likely to develop recession if you have periodontal disease, had braces or other orthodontic treatment, use chewing tobacco, have a lip or tongue piercing, or brush your teeth aggressively. Smoking or using tobacco products is the most significant risk factor for gum disease, and tobacco can also delay healing and make treatment for gum disease less successful.

Receding gums can't grow back, according to Cleveland Clinic, but you can take steps to keep gum recession from getting worse. Gum recession can't be cured, but it can be successfully managed with proper treatment and care, and where gum tissue is missing, a gum graft is used to replace it.

Timing matters. The sooner gum recession is detected and treated, the better chance you have of establishing optimal oral health. Call your dentist or periodontist at the first sign of problems, such as tooth roots that look more visible than they used to or teeth that have become more sensitive.

Gum recession treatment depends largely on what caused it, Cleveland Clinic explains: mild cases may be improved with nonsurgical treatments, but in most instances gum recession surgery is needed to fully correct the problem.

When recession comes from periodontal disease, scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning done under local anesthesia, removes the bacteria deep under the gum line, and occasionally a periodontist may recommend placing an antibiotic directly under the gums. Dental bonding can cover an exposed root with tooth-colored composite resin, making it less noticeable and more comfortable. If a tooth is crooked, tipped or rotated, orthodontics can move it into proper alignment, and the gum margin may correct itself over time.

Gum graft surgery for receding gums replaces missing gum tissue, and Cleveland Clinic calls it the most predictable and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. Typically, a periodontist performs it. The graft is usually taken from the roof of the mouth but occasionally comes from sterilized human donor tissue, and the surgeon stitches it into place.

There are several types of gum grafting procedures, and your surgeon can help determine which one is right for you. In most cases, people feel back to normal in about two weeks; recovery depends on how many teeth were treated, where the graft came from and the type of procedure. With moderate to severe recession, your dentist will likely refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon for a gum grafting consultation.

To reduce sensitivity from receding gums, use a desensitizing toothpaste at home, and your dentist can apply fluoride varnish or other desensitizing agents, Cleveland Clinic advises. Exposed roots are sensitive because they aren't covered with protective enamel; they are covered with cementum, which isn't as strong.

Look for a toothpaste with active ingredients such as potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, arginine and strontium chloride, which help calm the nerves inside your teeth. Desensitizing toothpaste works best when used long term, and it can take several weeks to start working. Your dental hygienist can also use numbing agents to make you more comfortable during dental cleanings.

Preventing gum recession comes down to daily care of your teeth and gums, which can significantly reduce your risk of infection-related gum recession, although Cleveland Clinic notes recession can't always be prevented, especially if you are genetically predisposed to thin gum tissue.

Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss once a day, use an antimicrobial mouthwash twice a day, and don't smoke or use chewing tobacco. Follow your dentist's recommendation for cleanings: many people can maintain healthy gums with six-month cleanings, but some may need more frequent visits.

For gum recession, we have a range of treatment options available at our dental practice. Our team includes Dr. Raffie Garabedian, a periodontist, alongside Dr. Robert P. Hedvat, a general dentist practicing since 2011, and Dolores, our registered dental hygienist.

We use laser dentistry for selected gum and soft-tissue procedures; in appropriate cases it may reduce bleeding, minimize discomfort and make recovery easier. Read more about our periodontist, gum disease treatment and laser dentistry.

We accept most PPO dental plans. Benefits and network participation vary by plan, so our team will gladly verify your coverage before treatment. We also accept CareCredit and offer financial arrangements. Call (661) 255-1211 or request an appointment online.