When Is Gum Recession a Problem?
A little is common as we age, and it does not always mean something is wrong. But when it keeps progressing, it can turn into a much bigger problem than a longer-looking smile.
Our Grandville, MI, periodontist helps patients tell the difference between recession that is mostly cosmetic and recession that needs gum recession treatment before it causes lasting damage.
Here’s how to know when gum recession has crossed the line from a cosmetic concern into a dental problem.
What Causes Gum Recession?
range from brushing too hard to genetics. Periodontal disease, tobacco use, misaligned teeth, and even oral piercings can all wear away the tissue that protects your tooth roots.
tends to build slowly, which is part of why it is easy to miss in its early stages. Regular dental visits are one of the best ways to catch it before it advances.
Because periodontal disease is one of the most common causes, some patients who need gum disease treatment will need care for the recession it caused as well.
When Gum Recession Needs Treatment
Some recession is mild and mostly cosmetic. It becomes a problem when tooth roots are exposed, teeth feel sensitive to hot and cold, or the gumline keeps pulling back year after year.
Left alone, advanced recession can lead to bone loss, and treating gum recession becomes more complex the longer it is ignored. That is why stopping receding gums early matters more than waiting to see how far it goes.
Gum Recession Treatment Options
Mild cases sometimes respond to treatments for gum disease like a deeper cleaning or better brushing habits. Once tissue has already been lost, gum recession treatment options shift toward restoring what is gone rather than just managing symptoms.
A gum graft is the most common way to cover exposed roots and protect them going forward. During the gum graft procedure, our periodontist places tissue, often taken from the roof of the mouth, over the affected area and stitches it into place.
What to Expect From Periodontal Surgery
for gum recession usually takes about an hour per graft, with most patients back to normal activities within one to two weeks. Gum recession surgery cannot regrow the tissue that was already lost, but it stops the recession from getting worse.
If you have noticed longer-looking teeth or new sensitivity, seeing a periodontist like ours for an evaluation is the best next step. A trained eye can tell you whether you are dealing with a cosmetic change or something that needs treatment.
Ask About Gum Recession Treatment
Grand River Periodontics accepts new patients through a referral from a general dentist. If your dentist has flagged gum recession at a routine visit, ask about a referral to our periodontist in Grandville, MI, for gum recession treatment, and we can help you figure out the right next step.
Questions before then? Call Grand River Periodontics today at (616) 531-1554 or contact us online and our team will be happy to help.
