Gum Recession & Soft Tissue Grafting

Periodontal disease – If you have an untreated gum infection, it can begin to break down the gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place.

Vigorous tooth brushing – Vigorous tooth brushing with a rigid, or hard-bristled, toothbrush over time will wear the gum tissue away from the teeth and begin to expose the roots.

Inadequate dental care – If you have not received regular dental care over a period of time or do not brush or floss daily, you have an increased risk of receding gums. Routine dental visits every six months as well as excellent oral hygiene care at home are essential to help prevent gum disease and recession.

Tobacco products – Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the prevalence of sticky plaque in your mouth, which turns into tartar. The hardened plaque build-up harbors bacteria and can cause the gums to recede.

Tooth injury or trauma – If you have sustained an injury to the mouth that involves a tooth or teeth, it can cause the gums to recede. Also, ill-fitting dentures can wear away gum tissue over time. It is important to seek treatment after an injury to the teeth so that you can have the best possible outcome during the healing process.

Grinding or clenching teeth while sleeping – Grinding or clenching teeth during sleep places excess force on teeth, which can cause receding gums.

Genetics – When we take your dental health history, we always want to know if you have family members with periodontal problems. Early detection of this problem can lead to better monitoring and management of the disease progression.

Orthodontic Therapy – In patients that have genetically thin gums and bone jaws, orthodontic therapy may increase the risk for gum recession. Good oral hygiene habits during orthodontic therapy are extremely important and can help minimize bacteria and plaque that collects around the brackets and wires.

Thin Gums – Having thin gum tissue is usually an inherited trait and thin gums are more susceptible to recession than thick gum tissue. Aggressive tooth brushing can also wear away at gum tissue over time.

Improved Aesthetics – as gums recede, the teeth can appear long and cause the smile to look “toothy”. Soft tissue grafting covers the exposed root portion of teeth and can restore a symmetrical and more youthful appearance to your smile.

Increased Comfort – you may be experiencing an increase in tooth sensitivity especially when drinking or eating hot or cold liquids and foods. Sometimes tooth sensitivity can cause such discomfort that you avoid certain foods or drinks altogether. Tooth sensitivity is often the first and most common symptom. Soft tissue grafting treatment provides protection and coverage of exposed tooth roots. Once you heal from a soft tissue graft, you are likely to experience decreased tooth sensitivity and more comfort when eating and drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.

Better Oral Health – addressing gum recession and treating its cause will have a positive impact on your oral health. Soft tissue grafts to cover exposed roots and provide an ample protective barrier around teeth will help you be able to keep your natural teeth and slow the progression of periodontal disease.