People who are unhappy with their smile because of gum receding may want to consider gum contouring. Receding gums can lead to dental issues, such as tooth loss, and they also affect the appearance of someone’s smile. Adding tissue to the gums is beneficial in numerous ways.
Receding gums
Receding gums refers to when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth surface. This exposes the roots and often indicates periodontal disease. It also causes cosmetic issues, as it causes the teeth to look bigger and longer than they are.
Causes
There are certain things that may lead to receding gums. These include:
- Smoking
- Aggressive brushing that wears down the enamel
- Plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Hormonal changes
- Medications that cause dry mouth
Receding gums are more common for men and for those older than 39 years of age.
Symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms that may indicate receding gums. One is shrinking gums, while another is pain at the gumline. If there is frequent bleeding after flossing or brushing, this also may indicate gum recession. Other common signs include swollen and red gums, bad breath, exposed teeth roots and loose teeth.
Someone who is experiencing some or all of these symptoms should visit a dentist. Recession can be diagnosed by examining the gum tissue and measuring the pockets around the gums. Any pocket larger than 3 millimeters is a sign of receding gums and potential gum disease.
Complications
Along with periodontal disease, there are other complications of receding gums, which is why it is important to seek treatment. When the roots are exposed for a long time, there is not enough tissue to hold the roots in place. Over time, the teeth begin to loosen and, eventually, they may fall out.
Gum contouring procedures
If someone has receding gums, there are a couple gum contouring methods the dentist may recommend. One is a deep tissue cleaning known as flap surgery. During the procedure, the dentist lifts the gums away from the teeth. Then, any diseased tissue or bone is removed, root planning is used to smooth the rough surfaces and antibiotics may be applied. After the procedure, the dentist replaces the gum flap and sutures the area.
Another option is gum grafting. The dentist either takes tissue from the palate or uses a synthetic material to apply additional tissue to the receding gums. The grafts help cover the tooth’s root, which also reduces the tooth’s sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures.
Conclusion
Receding gums is not something to ignore. It is a sign of a more serious dental issue, and the complications can be significant. Fortunately, there are options, such as gum contouring, that are available for those who want to not only have better oral health but also improve the look of their smile. A dentist can perform an examination and recommend the most effective method to improve the look of the gumline.
Are you considering gum contouring in the Escondido area? Get more information at https://escondidofamilydentistry.com/.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Is Gum Contouring in Escondido, CA.
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