If you’ve recently smiled into your bathroom mirror and noticed that your teeth seem a little longer than usual, it’s possible that you’re suffering from receding gums. Gum recession is a common problem, but it’s not something that you should neglect and take lightly. Fortunately, there are many available treatment options such as gum recontouring that can correct this problem and get your smile back on track. Here’s more about what causes gum recession and how gum recontouring is an excellent solution for addressing it.
What Is Gum Recession and What Causes It?
Gum recession occurs when your gums begin pulling away from your teeth, causing the gumline to move higher. This exposes more of your teeth and increases the vulnerability of their roots, which are much more sensitive than the chewing surfaces. It’s important to address gum recession as soon as possible before it can develop into more severe oral health problems.
Many cases of gum recession are linked to advanced cases of gum disease. Poor hygiene can easily lead to gum infections which will cause the soft tissues in your mouth to break down; the longer this happens, the more your gums can recede. Other causes of receding gums include:
- Brushing your teeth too vigorously and wearing down your gums as a result.
- Having naturally thin gums that are more prone to damage.
- Dentures or other oral solutions that do not fit properly and irritate the gums.
How Can Gum Recontouring Help?
Luckily, gum recontouring can address recession that stems from most of these causes. Your dentist will use special tools and equipment to reshape the gumline. Sometimes, a gum graft is required: a small amount of tissue is taken from another part of your mouth, usually its roof, and grafted to the treatment area to help cover the exposed tooth. Once the graft has healed, the roots of your teeth will be properly protected.
Of course, this procedure can also be used for aesthetic purposes; uneven gumlines can easily be straightened and corrected, giving your teeth a more natural appearance. But perhaps the biggest benefit of gum recontouring lies in its prevention of gum disease. Not only can it be used to remove diseased tissue, but it can also encourage your gums to reattach to your teeth and regain their health. Because of these many benefits, gum recontouring is also often used in conjunction with other treatments such as antibiotic therapy or a deep cleaning of the mouth.
Gum recession can sometimes indicate a serious underlying problem, meaning that it should be addressed quickly and correctly. Talk with your dentist about receiving gum recontouring to correct your compromised gums and get your smile back to a healthy and beautiful state.
About the Practice
Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists is proud to serve patients and families in the Colorado Springs area! The practice is led by Dr. Geoff Haradon, Dr. Karl Lackler, and Dr. Tyler Haradon. Together, they combine several years of expertise to provide all their patients with a highly personalized and comfortable treatment experience. Their practice offers a wide range of available services including gum recontouring. To schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone at (719) 574-4867.