State of the Art Dental Care
Gum Recession
Maybe It Is Your Problem
Gum recession is a form of gum disease. When gum tissue does not cover the entire root of the tooth, you can be sure that the underlying bone is missing also. This combination of lost gum and bone can lead to tooth loss.
This is a depiction of the gum area
The Attached Gingiva is a protective barrier against bacteria and debris.
Here is what severe gum recession can look like
Early Detection
Early detection and treatment always results in the best outcome.
When we are seeing patients for their examination, we can detect areas of early recession and areas of potential recession and recommend treatment early to prevent or reverse the problem.
Causes of Gum Recession
There are many reasons for gum recession including:
- Heredity can be a factor as you inherit body tissue type from your family or origin. A thin or weak inherited gingival tissue type is more prone to recession.
Gum disease (Gingivitis, Periodontitis) can lead to recessionover time. Also certain types of treatment for gum diseasecan cause recession in order to clear up the infection process. - Prominent roots either occurring naturally or after orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth can lead to recession.
- Muscle pulls from muscle attachments too close to the roots of the teeth can pull on the attached gingiva and lead to recession.
- Aggressive brushing can also lead to recession and put notches in the exposed tooth roots.
- Trauma from excessive biting forces and Bruxism (tooth grinding) can break down tissue and lead to recession.
- Trauma from objects like lip rings, and tongue rings or other habits that place foreign objects on the roots and gingival tissue can lead to severe recession.
Treatment of Recession
Depending upon the severity and nature of the recession, there are several courses of action including:
- Determining the cause of the recession and/or notching and correct the cause.
- Desensitize a sensitive root with a special toothpaste or a protective sealer on the root.
- Filling in the notch.
- Grafting the gum area and bone to strengthen the gum or recover the root.
Types of grafting materials and procedures
Depending on the location and severety of the gum defect, there are several approaches that work.
- Free gingival graft (autograft...from a donor site elsewhere in the mouth)
- lateral pedicle graft (from a donor site adjacent to the defect)
- allograft from a non related donor (rendered safe)
- zenograft from another amimal (rendered safe)
- chemical matrix graft material (safe)
The various methods and materials can be used in combination also to enhance the final outcome. Some of these same materials can be used in repair of defects for implant placement or periodontal bone replacement surgery. of for ridge preservation for future dentures, partials or implants.
Dr. Neal is familiar with several of these techniques and products and uses them regularly to enhance his patients dental health. Dr. Neal also works closely with dental specialists utilizing these products and techniques when necessary.
If you have gum recession or are suffering from root sensitivity, give us a call today. and are
How Can I Get Started?
You can make an appointment for a no charge consultation.
Make an appointment call CALL NOW
(815) 459-2202
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
Located at 280 B Memorial Court Crystal Lake Illinois 60014
OR
Dr. Neal is a general dentist.
You deserve a healthy, gorgeous smile. Call Crystal Lake Dental Associates today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Neal, a skilled dentist and general dentist. We treat gum recession, tooth sensitivity and root sensitivity for patients in Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Woodstock, McHenry, Algonquin, Huntley, Cary, McHenry County and surrounding areas.
click here to learn more about diagnosis and treatment of gum disease