Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Gum Recession

Gum recession will expose the roots of your teeth, visually making your teeth look longer than normal. You may look older with receded gums, and your teeth will also become more sensitive to both hot and cold. They can also be easily subjected to increased damage since the root surfaces are softer than tooth enamel and do not have proper protection.

Gum recession is quite a common and frequent issue and has many causes. Gum recession can be the result of pockets forming around the teeth from gum infection, genetics, or previous orthodontic treatment. Gum recession will also increase as infected or diseased gum tissue dies. The gums will inevitably recede all the way to the root of the tooth if the gum disease is left untreated.

Beginning with your very first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment regarding a possible gum recession exam.

Gum recession most often occurs slowly and over an extended period, so you may not realize that there is even a problem until it has already reached a more advanced stage. Now the tooth root is exposed and more easily susceptible to infection, decay, and deterioration. Untreated gum disease can lead to jawbone deterioration and is the single primary cause of tooth loss among adults. Untreated gum disease can also result in other health issues, which include diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Some Common Causes of Gum Recession

The most ordinary causes of gum recession are:

Severe Periodontitis, or Gum Disease

When plaque accumulates on a tooth along the gum line, it will immediately develop gum disease. This issue needs to be treated promptly since it will cause excessive bleeding and allow the plaque to travel below the gum line. If you have reached this stage, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will need to perform a deep cleaning. You might need to consider more intensive procedures to address the disease.

Misaligned Teeth

This is the result of the uneven alignment of teeth from an incorrect bite. If you are suffering from malocclusion, you may notice excessive wear and strain on your teeth and gums. If this is left uncorrected your gums will begin to recede. This will result in bone loss, which then also leads to tooth loss.

Inadequate Dental Hygiene

If your brushing and flossing are performed incorrectly or avoided, a plaque build-up will start to affect your teeth. This plaque contains damaging bacterial toxins which promote infection and disease.

Overly Aggressive Brushing or Flossing

Over brushing can literally be as damaging to your gums as too little brushing. Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush will erode the tooth enamel at the gum line, also causing gum recession.

Tobacco Products

Any type of tobacco use has damaging effects on your entire oral cavity. Chewing tobacco will aggravate the gingival lining of the entire mouth and cause gum recession when used continuously.

Genetics

Gum disease and gum recession can be the result of your predisposed genetics. You should try to investigate if this is the case, so Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. can take the correct preventative measures to lessen the impact and learn about treatments and preventative procedures that will help improve the damage caused by gum recession.

Symptoms That May Be
Indicative of Gum Recession

Gum recession is a widespread problem that Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. diagnoses and treats frequently. Here are a few symptoms:

Sensitive Teeth

When your gums recede and expose the tooth root, the dentin tubules beneath the tissue surface will become more susceptible to external temperature stimulus.

Visible Roots

A frequent characteristic of a more severe case of gum recession.

Longer-Looking Teeth

If you are encountering gum recession, you may have a toothy smile. The length of your teeth is normal, but the gum tissue has receded, making the teeth look longer.

Halitosis, Inflammation, and Bleeding

These symptoms are characteristic of gum disease. A bacterial infection causing gum recession will result in tooth loss if not treated promptly.

Treatment of Gum Recession

Each case of gum recession is somewhat different; therefore, many treatments are available at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.. The primary cause of your gum recession needs to be addressed first.

If aggressive brushing techniques at home are eroding your gums, a softer toothbrush and a much gentler brushing technique will be advised. If daily poor oral hygiene is your problem, professional dental cleaning by Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will be strongly recommended to rid the gum pockets of debris and damaging bacteria. In the event of severe plaque buildup, we will perform a scaling and root planing procedure to remove the source of gingival inflammation.

Once the initial cause of your gum recession has been treated, we may recommend a treatment of a more cosmetic or restorative nature. Gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting are two popular methods to restore natural symmetry to the gums and to restore your healthy smile.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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