Treatment for gum recession

Recession is a medical condition in which the gums recede, exposing the roots. Gum recession increases sensitivity, especially when drinking hot or cold drinks. In addition, exposing the roots of the teeth increases the risk of developing caries in this area and leads to aesthetic problems. If not treated properly, you can lose your teeth. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any changes in the condition of the gums and contact your dentist promptly for consultation and treatment.
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Factors causing the disease

Gum recession is a condition in which gum tissue recedes, exposing the roots of the teeth. This is not just an aesthetic problem, but also a factor that can provoke various diseases of the oral cavity. The reasons for this phenomenon are varied:

  • Plaque and tartar, which displace the gingival epithelium, promoting recession
  • Anatomical features - such as thin bone tissue in the area of large tooth roots. This impairs the blood supply to the gums and leads to their retreat
  • Improper oral care—aggressive brushing can cause mechanical damage to the gums
  • Injuries - any damage, including dislocations
  • Orthodontic treatment - pressure on the dentition during position correction
  • Anomalies of bridle attachment
  • Inflammatory diseases - gingivitis or periodontitis, especially in the absence of timely treatment, often cause recession

For prevention, regular dental examinations and careful oral care are important. At the first sign of a problem, you should consult a doctor, as attempts at self-medication can aggravate the situation and lead to serious complications.

Factors causing the disease

Clinical manifestations of gum recession

The departure of the gum from the tooth and exposure of its root manifests itself clinically in a variety of ways. Each of these symptoms may indicate certain diseases in the oral cavity.

One of the common signs of recession is bleeding and swelling of the gums, as well as changes in their color. This may be an indicator of periodontitis.

Another manifestation is the peeling of the gum from the tooth, the formation of pockets. This may indicate an advanced stage of periodontitis, often accompanied by purulent formations and bad breath, which increases the risk of tooth loss.

Pale or whitish gums may be a symptom of periodontitis, which is characterized by impaired blood microcirculation and leads to thinning and weakening of the gums.

Increased sensitivity, especially to temperature or sweets, is a consequence of exposed roots. This increases the risk of developing caries in these areas.

If teeth become loose, this may indicate serious damage to periodontal tissues.

Localized gum recession affecting one or two teeth often occurs due to mechanical trauma, such as improper use of toothpicks.

Consequences

Complications of gum recession can be varied and serious. In addition to aesthetic problems and psychological discomfort associated with the visibility of exposed tooth roots, there are a number of functional disorders:

  • Sensitivity increases. This occurs because the roots are exposed, making them more susceptible to external irritants such as cold, heat or sugary foods
  • Development of caries. Bare areas become especially vulnerable, where caries can develop rapidly
  • Dentition deformation. Due to gum recession, a change in the position of the teeth in the jaw may occur
  • Swelling. The gums may become red or bluish, indicating inflammation
  • Wedge-shaped defects. Areas of damage form as a result of loss of enamel and dentin
  • The appearance of periodontal pockets. These are depressions between the edge of the gum and the tooth, formed due to the destruction of the periodontal junction

If gum recession is not treated promptly, teeth can become loose and fall out. Complications negatively affect the overall health of the oral cavity and also affect the psychological state of the patient. They cause embarrassment in communication and reduce self-esteem due to changes in the appearance of the smile.

Classification

There is also a division into visible and hidden recession. Visible is determined during a routine examination, while hidden is diagnosed through special probing methods.

By severity

Here is how it is divided according to the Miller scale:

  • First class. This is the initial stage, where the gums are reduced, but the root of the tooth is not yet exposed
  • Second grade. Here the gums descend towards the root, but the bone tissue remains intact
  • Third grade. There is a noticeable reduction in the gums and beginning atrophy of the bone tissue between the teeth
  • Fourth grade. At this stage, maximum atrophy of both soft and hard tissues around the tooth is visible

According to the scale of damage

A recession can also be:

  • Local, when one tooth is affected
  • Generalized, spreading to most of the jaw or the entire dentition
  • Traumatic, occurring due to mechanical damage such as blows
  • Symptomatic, often associated with inflammatory processes, for example, with periodontitis
  • Physiological, due to the aging process

According to the degree of damage

According to the degree of damage, recession occurs:

  • Mild when gum recession is three mm or less
  • Medium, with gum recession by three to five mm
  • Severe, where the deviation exceeds six mm
General information about gum recession

How to recognize the problem?

Recognizing gum loss is a detailed and multi-level process that requires care and the use of modern medical approaches. It begins with a visual examination by a doctor, who identifies the main signs: decreased gum levels, exposure of tooth roots, signs of inflammation and bleeding, changes in color, and the formation of periodontal pockets. In addition, it is important to take into account increased sensitivity and the presence of caries in the root area.

What follows is a more in-depth diagnosis, which includes:

  • Images: panoramic or targeted x-rays, which help assess the condition of the bone tissue of the teeth
  • Careful analysis of the condition of different areas of the gums to determine the areas most susceptible to recession
  • Specialized tests to detect inflammatory processes, including tests using markers to detect periodontal deposits
  • Differential diagnosis necessary to determine the specific type of gum recession and develop an individual treatment and rehabilitation plan

These methods together provide a comprehensive and accurate approach to diagnosing gum loss, allowing the doctor to determine the exact extent and nature of the disease for effective treatment.

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment of recession in dentistry is often used in the early stages of the disease, especially when the roots of the teeth are minimally exposed.

Treatment of recession of the gingival margin with collagen is used to achieve the desired effect, especially if the cause of recession is an inflammatory process. Collagen is injected into the gum tissue, resulting in aesthetic improvements and coverage of exposed areas of the tooth.

If recession is caused by microorganisms, treatment is aimed at making room for periodontal cells, which helps restore hard tissue. Steps include anesthesia, incisions, separation of soft tissue (if necessary), cleaning and polishing of the root surface, antiseptic treatment and suturing.

Surgical intervention

Surgery to close a recession is an important step in combating the advanced stages. Let's consider three main methods of surgical treatment of gum recession:

  • Lateral flap method. This technique uses tissue from a nearby area of the mouth. Before surgery, it is important to eliminate inflammation in order to prepare the flap for transplantation. The main advantage is rapid healing, although discomfort may occur at the site of tissue collection
  • Use of resorbable membranes. It uses special membranes that dissolve over time. This method has its limitations and is not always effective, so its use in modern dentistry is declining
  • Therapy using regenerative potentials. Includes the use of special proteins and amelogenin to stimulate the growth of healthy gums. This approach is aimed at accelerating tissue repair

The choice of method depends on the specific case: the degree of recession, the general condition of the oral cavity and the individual characteristics of the patient. It is important to consult with an experienced dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

How to prevent the disease?

Prevention is an important part of maintaining oral health. The following measures will help prevent the development of this disease:

  • Proper oral hygiene. Regular and thorough tooth brushing is a key element of prevention. Using a soft toothbrush and gentle but effective brushing will help avoid injury to your gums. It is also important to use dental floss to clean between teeth
  • Regular visits to the dentist. Professional teeth cleaning and dental examinations will help to promptly identify and prevent problems with gums and teeth
  • Proper nutrition. A nutritious, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals strengthens gum tissue and promotes overall oral health
  • Avoiding aggressive tooth brushing. Brushing too vigorously can damage your gums. It is important to use gentle, circular movements, avoiding strong pressure
  • Giving up bad habits. Smoking and drinking alcohol can worsen gum health, so it is important to limit or completely eliminate these habits
  • Stress management. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on gum health, so it is important to find ways to reduce it, such as through meditation, yoga or other relaxation practices
  • Proper use of toothpicks and other hygiene devices. Improper use may damage your gums. They should be used carefully and not used too often
  • Use of protective mouthguards when playing sports. This will help prevent mechanical injuries to the gums and teeth

Following these recommendations will help reduce the risk of gum recession and maintain oral health.

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