Gum recession is one of the most serious impacts of gum disease. It changes the appearance of your smile, and weakened gum tissue even leads to tooth loss over time. However, gum recession surgery in Rochester provides effective options to treat this issue and prevent further recession in the future.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease and Its Risks
Gum recession is a common symptom of periodontitis. This is the more serious stage of gum disease, moving beyond gingivitis to become an infection of the gum tissue. As many as four in ten U.S. adults over the age of 30 have experienced periodontitis at some point.[1]
When gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the weakened gum tissue begins to pull away from tooth surfaces. This allows pockets to form, which provides more shelter for bacteria to advance the condition further. Those bacteria can lead to severe tooth decay, which puts all aspects of your oral health at risk, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Moreover, the bacteria will continue growing and spreading unless you seek treatment for gum disease. As the supporting tissue around your teeth becomes weaker, the teeth will become loose. Eventually, you may find yourself dealing with tooth loss.
What is Gum Recession Surgery?
Once gum recession has taken hold, surgical intervention is required to treat it. While earlier stages of gum disease can be dealt with by improving oral hygiene and other measures as prescribed by your periodontist, advanced gum disease necessitates more invasive intervention.
Gum Grafting As A Tip Treatment Option
Several surgeries treat gum recession, but gum grafting is among the most common. Gum grafting has a success rate of more than 95% in treating gum recession and will help ensure the overall health of your gums and teeth. [2]
In a process called a tissue graft or soft tissue grafting, tissue is transplanted from the roof of the mouth to restore the gum line at any affected points.[2] Specifically, the periodontist uses a special surgical technique to place the tissue over the exposed roots and secure it with sutures. This both restores the appearance of your smile and helps protect against gum disease in the future.
Additionally, protecting the exposed tooth roots will alleviate tooth sensitivity and prevent gum recession from progressing. It ultimately reinforces support for your teeth, preventing tooth loss and safeguarding long-term oral health.
Situations That Call for Gum Recession Surgery
Speaking with a periodontist is the only way to know for sure whether you need gum recession surgery. Ideally, you should reach out to a periodontist long before you experience gum recession. Schedule an appointment if you notice early signs of gum disease, such as sore, swollen, red, or bleeding gums.
If gum recession has already taken hold, you may be able to notice it visually. Your teeth will appear proportionally longer as the gum tissue pulls away.[3] Increased tooth sensitivity is another sign, as the exposed tooth roots have thinner enamel and are less protected.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene After Surgery
Maintaining good oral hygiene after your gum recession surgery is critical for preventing future gum disease. Your periodontist will provide detailed instructions for your specific case. After the initial post-surgery care, you can generally be advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash.
You’ll also need regular checkups with your periodontist to monitor the condition of your gums. Only a periodontist can provide the specialized hygiene and maintenance required to prevent gum disease in patients at higher risk. This is critical during the healing period but should also be continued afterward to maintain general oral health.
Schedule Gum Recession Surgery in Rochester
Get the dental care you need with gum recession surgery in Rochester. The periodontal specialists at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester will develop a custom treatment plan and perform the necessary procedures to restore your smile and stop periodontal disease from progressing. Reach out online or call us today at 585-534-3346 to book your appointment.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23504-gum-graft-surgery
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health-receding-gums
