Gum Recession FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession

Gum recession, or gingival recession is characterized by visible roots, sensitivity to cold, brushing or sweets, and loose teeth. Brushing your teeth too hard, not brushing your teeth thoroughly, clenching or grinding your teeth and periodontal disease (gum or bone loss) are all causes of gum recession. Below we answer some of the most common questions we hear from patients about gum recession.

Question: How do I know if I have gum recession?

Answer:

Gum recession, or root exposure, is a disease or pathological process unrelated to age or genetics. Characterized by visible roots, sensitivity to cold or touch or, in extreme cases, loose teeth. Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons. Most common is aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease.

Question: How can gum recession cause cavities in my root?

Answer:
Roots are porous in nature, much like a sponge. They have holes and tunnels in them, called tubules that, when exposed, accumulate food particles, byproducts and bacteria. This invasion very rapidly results in loss of mineralization of the tooth and cavities can invade the root when exposed due to gum recession.

Question: Can gum recession cause loose or lost teeth?

Answer:

A firm band of tissue called attached tissue is usually attached to the root and provides a cinching effect around the teeth, much like a tie around the neck. Attached tissue prevents foreign materials from getting between the tooth and gums and infecting the bone. This important protection is lost with gum recession. Therefore when the bone is exposed to foreign materials, it recedes to protect itself along with the gum. This provides for significant loss of bone support for the tooth, which is permanent. Bone loss usually cannot be replaced.

Question: How do you fix gum recession?

Answer:

At Stoner Periodontic Specialists, we incorporate the most advanced, least invasive technologies for correction of gum recession. Sometimes we can simply pull the gum up or down to cover the root. With more advanced recession we can incorporate either gum transplants or an acellular dermal matrix. These therapies will cover the exposed root and therefore address the concerns of gum recession. The procedure we use is well documented but is less commonly used due to the time and technical skill required.

Question: Is gum recession therapy painful?

Answer:

The biggest advantage of gum recession treatment technology is that it is typically painless. There are few incisions or stitches after the procedure. During this procedure, everything is done underneath the gum, much like laparoscopy, so there is little manipulation of the tissue resulting in faster healing. Most of the time the procedure takes only 20-45 minutes to complete.

Question: When does gum recession have to be fixed?

Answer:

If gum recession goes untreated, you may experience loss of bone, loosening teeth, painful chewing and eventual tooth loss. It is time to fix your gum recession when the following conditions occur:

  • Significant bone loss
  • Lose of attached tissue
  • Cavities in the roots
  • Root sensitivity to touch or cold
  • Cosmetic concerns