Gum Recession
Patients who suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis often notice that they also experience gum recession. Gum recession occurs when the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or the root. This can be caused by gum infections that create pockets between the teeth and gums. As diseased or infected gum tissue dies, gum recession increases. If left untreated, the gums may recede to the root of the tooth.
Gum recession is a common dental problem, as many patients do not notice the slow erosion of the gum over time. Left untreated, an exposed tooth root is susceptible to infection, decay, or even deterioration. If you have periodontal disease and you experience gum recession, you should act as quickly as possible. Gum disease can lead to the deterioration of your jawbone, and eventually the loss of a tooth or teeth. Periodontal disease can also result in related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even stroke.
At Platt Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic to restorative dentistry. From Dayton, to across the country and internationally, we welcome all patients to experience outstanding customer service and tailored treatment plans. If you are scheduled for treatment of gum recession, or if you would like to ask our staff any questions about this procedure or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
CALL (937) 293-3402
800 Shroyer Rd. Dayton, OH 45419
Most Common Causes of Gum Recession
A myriad of factors can contribute to gum recession, but the leading cause of gum recession is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease develops when bacteria builds up along the gum line, which can cause excessive bleeding and plaque buildup underneath the gum line. Patients may also be genetically predisposed to gum disease or gum recession. Patients who suffer from malocclusion, or the uneven alignment of teeth due to an incorrect bite may notice additional or excessive tear, wear, or strain on their teeth and gums that can cause gum recession to occur. Gum recession can also be caused by improper or aggressive tooth brushing or using the wrong type of bristle, which can damage the tissue at the gum line and cause your gums to pull away and recede.
Some patients will require a series of deep cleanings and regular checkups to treat the underlying cause of the gum recession. For more severe cases, additional treatments may be required, such as tissue and root therapy, depending upon the severity of the disease and decay.
How to Prevent Gum Recession from Developing
The best way to prevent gum recession from developing and to maintain the results of your gum recession intervention treatment is to practice good oral hygiene habits. By following these best practices, you will be taking an important step to ensuring that you maintain a strong and healthy smile.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily. When you do brush your teeth, be sure to do so for at least two minutes. Many people do not spend enough time brushing, or attending to cleaning other areas of the mouth, such as the tongue. If you happen to have an aversion to flossing, talk to your dentist about flossing alternatives, such as interdental brushes or flossing picks.
- Be mindful of your diet. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, avoid eating foods high in start or drinking sugary liquids. If you do consume sugar liquids, use a straw to limit the amount of sugar that is exposed to your teeth. It is also best practice to drink water after every meal and swish water to remove deposits of food.
- Schedule visits every six months or more for those with periodontal issues. Besides practicing good oral hygiene habits and being mindful of your diet, the best thing you can do to preserve and improve your oral health is to visit your dentist or periodontist every six months. Doing so allows your dentist to perform a deep cleaning with specialty tools, monitor the status of any procedures you have had performed, and perhaps most importantly, address potential issues before they develop.
Cost of Treating Gum Recession
The final cost of your procedure will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case and what type of dental plan you are currently enrolled in. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks.
If you have concerns about the extent of care required and would like to discuss alternate financial arrangements, please feel free to contact our office to discuss CareCredit. CareCredit helps patients pay for procedures and treatments that are not covered by insurance by offering low minimum monthly payments and No Interest* financing so you can get what you want, when you want it. Applying for Care Credit only takes three simple steps and can provide instant approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
For Beautiful, Healthy Smiles, Contact Us Today!
At Platinum Dentistry, we believe a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, which is why we provide an array of dental treatments to cater to health as well as aesthetics. Our practice utilizes world-class labs that create customized restorations to restore the structure and beauty of your teeth. We take the time to explain and educate our patients about the importance of health care and answer any questions you may have about treatment so you can make the best decision for your smile.
With our attention-to-detail for providing high aesthetic results to restoring the health of patients’ teeth and gums, at Platinum Dentistry you are in experienced hands. Take your first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile today and schedule an appointment by contacting our office by phone at 937.293.3402 or fill out our online form.