Peridontist Treatment for Gum Recession
Gum recession is often the result of a severe infection in the soft tissues of the oral cavity, but fortunately, a periodontist can treat the condition in a couple of different ways. While treatment may seem daunting, the condition will only worsen if left untreated. Keep reading to learn more about the available treatment options.
How a periodontist treats gum recession
The following information highlights how a periodontist treats gum recession.
Scaling and root planing
When gum recession is at a minor stage, periodontists often recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. Scaling and root planing is also referred to as a deep dental cleaning, which targets the gum tissue. The goal of this procedure is to make gum pockets smaller in size. Doing this ultimately helps with gum recession.
During a scaling and root planing procedure, the patient can expect their mouth to be numbed so there is not any discomfort. The periodontist then pulls back the gumline and clears out the roots, ensuring no build-up is left behind.
The procedure typically takes an hour to two hours. In severe cases, the dentist might recommend doing one arch in one appointment and the other in another appointment. This reduces the amount of stress that is put on the mouth.
Gum grafting
When gum recession is moderate to severe, a simple scaling and root planing procedure might not be effective. It will still be helpful and even beneficial to the health of the gums, but more serious attention might be necessary. In this case, the periodontist might recommend gum grafting. A gum grafting procedure is more in-depth because it requires oral surgery.
During a gum grafting procedure, the periodontist might bring in the help of an oral surgeon for extra support. Typically, this process takes around two hours to complete because tissue from another area of the mouth has to be removed and then placed along the targeted gumline.
Avoiding gum recession
Although gum recession is treatable by a periodontist, it is advised for patients to seek ways to avoid the condition altogether. Periodontists can provide many resources to help prevent gum recession, including:
- Regularly seeing a dental office for routine cleanings
- Flossing once a day and gently brushing twice a day or after every meal
- Avoiding foods and beverages that are highly acidic or sugary
- Considering a medicated rinse or toothpaste to help prevent any build-up along the gumline
When consulting with a periodontist, patients can ask for specialized recommendations on keeping the gums in good shape.
Talk to a periodontist today
When suffering from gum recession, it is ideal to consult with a periodontist right away. A consultation enables the periodontist to evaluate how severe the patient's condition is, so they can determine what type of treatment is needed. Additionally, patients can ask questions and go over any existing concerns. To learn more about gum recession and how it is treated, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.torreyhillsperio.com or call Torrey Hills Periodontal Group at (858) 925-1188 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Concerned about gum recession? Read on to learn more. If your smile looks different in the mirror recently, you might want to see a periodontist. You may notice your tooth roots are showing more, your teeth seem longer, or your gums are receding. Perhaps your gums are becoming more tender and your teeth are more…
Periodontal disease is a result of severe bacterial infection in the gum tissue. It causes many problems in the mouth. Knowing the impact of gum infection on your oral health can motivate you to set an appointment with your dentist right away. Here are the details on how periodontal disease impacts your oral health.Research shows…
The jawbone is the part of the face that holds many essential elements together, such as the teeth, ligaments, and muscles; however, bone grafting may sometimes be necessary if the jawbone is too weak to perform these tasks. A person’s jawbone can deteriorate over time, whether due to age, genetics, poor oral health, cancer, or…
Periodontists work closely with the supportive structures of the mouth, such as the gums, so it likely comes as no surprise that dental implants are among the most common treatments that they can provide. Dental implants can be an exciting possibility for those seeking long-term tooth replacement options that stimulate their gums just like natural…