With time and genetics, one’s gums can change, and your smile may start to look different. You may not recognize your smile due to gum recession resulting in an uneven gum line. How do you know when it’s time to get cosmetic gum surgery in Rochester? Dental Implants and Periodontal Health of Rochester breaks down everything you need to know.
Gum Recession: What It Is and What Causes It
Gum recession is the process that affects how the gums fit and change around your teeth. They can gradually pull away from the tooth, exposing the tooth root as the patient ages or the teeth wear down. Gum recession is a significant cause of tooth loss in adults.
As the gum tissue retracts, this exposes increasingly more of the tooth and its root. Patients may experience sensitivity to food and temperature and may be at increased risk of decay and cavities. Not to mention the impact on how you feel about how your smile now looks.
There are many common causes of gum recession:
- Periodontal disease
- Aggressive tooth brushing or, conversely, poor dental hygiene
- Genetics
- Orthodontic braces
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy and menopause)
- Tobacco use
- A misaligned bite
- Clenching or grinding of teeth
- Tongue or Lip piercings
Often patients don’t notice it’s happening until they experience painful sensitivity due to tooth-root exposure or an uneven gum line. The good news is that while many factors can cause gum recession, its effects are reversible with gum surgery. Recommended treatments for gum recession include cosmetic gum surgery (soft tissue graft), gum reshaping, or gum contouring. The best option for gum recession treatment will depend on its cause and severity.
Reasons To Get Cosmetic Gum Surgery: Rochester Periodontist Recommendations
Patients seek cosmetic gum surgery for different reasons. It is a highly recommended treatment for repairing a receding gum line which can cause oral discomfort and painful sensitivity. In this case, the patient would undergo a gum grafting procedure to restore gum coverage and protect the teeth.
Other Cosmetic Gum Surgical Options
Smile enhancement is another common reason for cosmetic gum surgery. Cosmetic gum surgery in Rochester helps patients enjoy an improved smile and a boost in self-confidence in social and professional situations – especially for those worried about having a “gummy smile.”
Gum contouring surgery may also be part of a medically necessary treatment if the patient has periodontal disease. This option is most often applied after other noninvasive procedures have been attempted to reduce the disease and were not successful.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Receding Gums?
If this condition is allowed to progress without being adequately addressed, the patient is at increased risk of several other health conditions. They could develop gingivitis more easily or allow the periodontal disease to worsen.
Other long-term risks include increased bleeding, bad breath, increased deterioration of the jaw bone, and teeth that become loose. The risks could be costly to overall oral health and hygiene.
What To Expect During Cosmetic Gum Surgery in Rochester
Cosmetic gum surgery is an extremely precise procedure performed by a skilled periodontist. It is an outpatient procedure and usually takes only one visit.
The patient will receive a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site before the procedure begins. During a soft tissue graft, your periodontist will cover your exposed tooth root using soft tissue from other areas of the mouth.
Gum Recession Treatment Recovery
Your periodontist will recommend a soft food diet during recovery, such as:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
It will take several weeks to heal after gum surgery. Most patients can manage post-procedure discomfort with drugstore painkillers and should prioritize rest. You will also use a medicated rinse for plaque control and take an antibiotic to lessen your risk of infection.
The Offices For Cosmetic Gum Surgery Rochester Patients Trust!
If you are experiencing oral discomfort or sensitivity due to gum recession, or if you’re unhappy with your toothy or gummy smile, we can help! Call Dental Implants and Periodontal Health of Rochester today! 585-685-2005
