Gum Recession Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ
Whenever you smile, your attention usually goes straight to your teeth. It should, but do not forget about your gums, too. Those pink tissues in your upper and lower jaws are there to protect and support. If they start receding, there is no turning back.
Are you dealing with gum recession? Do you want to ensure you never have to? At Pristine Dental, Scottsdale, AZ, we help patients maintain healthy gums. If recession is already an issue, our dentistry solutions and procedures will stop it in its tracks.
Dial (480) 935-2424 or schedule an appointment online!
Causes
Gum recession mostly affects people over the age of 65, but everyone can really be at risk. Since gums do not naturally grow back, it is best to focus on prevention.
Learning what contributes to the problem reveals what to avoid or what to do next. Some reasons behind the condition are related to everyday habits, while others are beyond your control. Let us reveal all of them.
- Aggressive Brushing: Do you think scrubbing your teeth will make them cleaner? Doing so can actually gradually wear away the soft tissue that surrounds them. Get rid of plaque and food debris without irritating your gums by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and making gentle circular motions.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Skipping brushing or flossing allows bacteria to multiply. Eventually, the buildup between the teeth and along the gumline will cause irritation and inflammation. As such, brush at least twice daily and floss regularly. Visit dentists every six months as well.
- Tobacco Use: The chemicals and toxins in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco can weaken gum tissue and slow the body’s ability to heal itself. Even vape pens and electronic cigarettes, which do not contain traditional tobacco, can bring trouble through the sticky ingredients and chemicals in the vapor.
- Bruxism: The habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth when you are stressed or while you are sleeping puts strain on the structures in your mouth. The constant force can wear down enamel and contribute to gum recession. Dentists often recommend protective night guards or other solutions for this medical condition.
- Teeth and Bite Misalignment: With crooked teeth or a misaligned bite (malocclusion), certain teeth experience increased pressure when biting or chewing. That extra stress can result in the surrounding gums receding. It is also generally uncomfortable.
- Genetics: Sometimes, receding gums run in the family. If your parents or close relatives have developed gum disease or experienced gum recession, there is a chance you may be more susceptible than others. That means you must be extra mindful of your oral health.
- Fluctuating Hormones: Hormonal changes play a role, especially for women. During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, fluctuations in hormone levels make gums more sensitive, swollen, or prone to irritation.
- Periodontal Disease: When plaque buildup hardens into tartar, it becomes much harder to remove without professional tools. Ignoring it leads to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If it progresses to the advanced stage, called periodontitis, pockets form between the gums and teeth, which may deepen as more bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulate.
Treating
Gums do not grow back on their own, but that does not mean there is nothing you can do. Modern dentistry offers procedures that can stop gums from receding further.
During a routine dental exam, Dr. Keith Mitchell Cooper DDS, the top-rated dentist Scottsdale, AZ, will check your gums and measure how much recession has occurred around each tooth. Then, he will determine the depth of the pockets.
From there, he will recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
Healthy gum pockets are between one and three millimeters deep. Anything deeper can be a sign of gum disease. In the early stages, scaling and root planing (SPR) may be enough.
This deep-cleaning procedure involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gumline. It also smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots, preventing bacteria from sticking there again. Your dentist might also prescribe or apply antibiotics to help fight infection.
Dental Bonding
Dentists suggest dental bonding to improve the appearance. This cosmetic procedure applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the exposed root of the tooth. The material blends in, making the recession less noticeable. Moreover, by covering the root, you reduce sensitivity.
Orthodontics
If misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite are the main cause of your gums receding, you might need orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners. Gradually moving teeth into better positions helps decrease the pressure. The gumline may naturally improve in some situations, too.
Graft Surgery
For more advanced cases, a surgical procedure is the only option. A periodontist will place additional tissue along the gumline for restoration and to cover exposed tooth roots. Tissues for gum graft surgery may come from another area of your mouth, often the palate, or from a donor. Synthetic materials are also available.
Recovery from gum recession surgery takes around two weeks. Follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully.
The Importance of Treating
Chipping a tooth usually prompts you to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. However, if something seems off with your gums, you might decide to wait a little longer before having them checked.
At Pristine Dental, we are here to remind you that gum recession is an oral health problem. Trying to get your gums back to the way they used to look is invasive and expensive. Either you put an end to the irreversible condition now, or lose more of your smile.
Leaving untreated will lead to other complications, such as the following:
- Cosmetic Concerns: Teeth can appear longer when the gums pull back. The gumline will look uneven, and you might notice small gaps or darker root surfaces. It will be difficult to feel confident when smiling or speaking.
- Sensitivity: With this, the roots of your teeth are not protected by enamel anymore. They are covered by a softer layer called cementum. That exposure can make teeth sensitive to hot drinks, cold foods, and sweets, as well as to brushing and flossing.
- Halitosis: When bacteria collect along the gumline or in gum pockets, they release bad odors. Like with cosmetic issues, halitosis affects your confidence.
- Tooth Loss: Periodontitis may damage the bone that supports your teeth. As such, teeth can become loose or feel unstable. Without proper treatment, you will lose those pearly whites.
Pristine Dental, for Gum Health
Do you live in or around Old Town Scottsdale, AZ? Getting the right support for your gum health is easy at Pristine Dental. Our team offers comprehensive care, guaranteeing your smile stays bright in all ways.
Dr. Keith Mitchell Cooper DDS earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Denver and Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed his Prosthodontist Residency at the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX and Implant Surgery Training from the renowned Temple Dental/Misch International Implant Institute. Over the years, he has continued expanding his knowledge and training in modern techniques and technology.
Visit our office, and expect our expert team to listen to your concerns, evaluate your gums, explain your options, and perform the necessary procedures. Count on us to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout.
Ultimately, healthy teeth are nothing without healthy gums. Let us fight and manage receding gums together! Call (480) 935-2424 now or schedule an appointment online with Pristine Dental.