Treatment for receding gums (gingival recession) in Edmonton Alberta

Receding gums or gingival recession happens when the gums retract from the tooth, leaving a portion of the tooth root exposed. This condition can cause increased tooth sensitivity, and increase the risk of decay, infection and tooth loss. This is due to the absence of the protective layer of gum tissue overtop of the tooth root. It is best to treat receding gums soon rather than later, as the condition will only worsen over time without the proper intervention.

What causes gums to recede?

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to gingival recession. Some people are just genetically predisposed to the condition. However, there are usually steps that can be taken to prevent receding gums. For example, being too rough when brushing or flossing can damage the gum tissues. So, being extra gentle when flossing and using only a soft bristle brush on your teeth can go a long way to preserve your gumline.

Patients with gum disease are likely to develop receding gums. With gum disease, plaque and bacteria build up in the pockets below the gum line. Symptoms often include pain, swelling and bleeding. If not promptly treated, gum disease can lead to damage of both the gum tissue, teeth and even bone structures below the gum.

Dental traumas can also cause the gums to recede. Gingival recession is often seen in patients who clench or grind their teeth. If this is the case, your dentist may prescribe a nightguard to protect your teeth and gums from bruxism.

Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments to help halt the recession of the gums and to reverse the damage that has already been done. Scaling and root planing is a treatment used to deep clean the teeth and areas below the gumline. Once the plaque, bacteria and tartar buildup is cleaned away, the gums will be given a chance to heal.

In more progressed cases where the gums are badly receded, a gum graft may be necessary to restore the lost gum tissue. With this procedure, healthy tissues will be taken from the patient’s mouth, often the roof of the mouth and grafted onto the gums where the recession has occurred. During the healing process the tissues will fuse together, creating a protective barrier over the root of the tooth and correcting the ‘toothy smile’.

At Illuminada Dental, we have successfully treated many cases of receding gums. Come in today if you are experiencing receding gums and we will discuss possible treatment options with you.