50% of adults between the ages of 18 and 65 have gum recession. Gum recession, or gingival recession, refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue and the underlying bone. The exposed roots can cause sensitivity, decay and eventual tooth loss.
According to Dr. Sabzehei and associates, “What is commonly called ‘gum recession’ is just the visual appearance of an underlying set of problems.” They explain that there are different factors that contribute to gum recession including disease, bone and tissue thickness, jaw shape, and the position of the teeth. It is important to find a specialist who focuses on your individual situation in order to get treatment that fits your needs.
At Perio Implant Chicago, our team focuses on the underlying causes of gum recession and we take each patient’s specific anatomy into account before considering treatment options. Some of the possible treatment options for gum recession include continuous monitoring, gum grafting, or the Chao Pinhole Technique.
According to Dr. Sabzehei and associates, “…The risks and complications (of gum surgery) are minimal if you have the appropriate patient. If the patient’s mouth cannot safely provide the tissue needed, you simply do something else. The main complications that I have seen over the years have to do with clinicians who did not properly diagnose where they are taking the tissue from.”
Real Patients, Real Results Perio Implant Chicago – Before and After Images of Patients
Dr. Sabzehei and associates strongly recommend putting your oral health into the hands of a trained periodontal specialist when it comes to treatment for gum recession.
Dr. Cabrera has years of periodontal experience, and he lectures both nationally and internationally on Periodontal and Dental Implant surgery. He is the past President of the Illinois Society of Periodontists and Midwest Society of Periodontology. Dr. Sabzehei and associates stay up-to-date with all the latest improvements in periodontal surgery via continuing education (as both a participant and an instructor).
Read more about Gum Recession here.
Diagnosis of gum recession at Periodontics and Dental Implants
What is gum recession?
This is Dr. Peter Cabrera from Cabrera and Sabzehei Perio Implant Practice. The topic that we’re going to be discussing today is understanding gum recession.
Gum recession is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed problems that we see in our practice.
When most people think about gum recession, they think of the visual appearance. The roots becoming exposed in the teeth, looking longer.
But visual appearance is not a diagnosis; treatment should never be based on visual appearance.
What factors lead to gum recession?
Having a clear understanding of the problem and the causes of the problems is crucial to helping the patient regain their health.
In reality, there are a number of things that happen under the exposure that leads to the loss of bone and the loss of gum tissue.
In our practice, when we examine a patient with gum recession, we examine all of the factors that contribute to the problem.
Those can include infection, the thickness of bone and tissue, excessive biting forces, and shifting teeth.
How can gum recession be diagnosed?
As part of our examination, we will often obtain a 3D image of the patient’s jaw. This is analogous to a CAT scan or a CBCT of the patient’s jaw. Only after a comprehensive exam can we make a sound treatment recommendation.
In summary, what is typically called gum recession is a complex set of issues that leads to root exposure and the appearance of longer teeth. The only way to achieve long-lasting success is to address the underlying factors.
Feel free to give us a call and make an appointment today.
Gum Recession: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is gum recession?
At Perio Implant Chicago, our specialists appreciate that gum recession is symptomatic or manifests an underlying set of problems. How the gums appear when you smile is determined by numerous factors, ranging from the presence of disease to the thickness of the bone and the position of the teeth. We must understand why your gums may appear to recede or pull away from the teeth. We also consider factors such as your specific anatomy when determining the best “next steps” or treatment options. We never make a diagnosis based on the visual appearance of your gumline alone.
How do you accurately diagnose gum recession?
During an exam, our specialists create a 3-dimensional image of the jaw. Similar to a CAT or CBCT scan, this advanced technology complements and supports a comprehensive examination. It informs our understanding of the complex issues that lead to root exposure and a “toothy” smile. A sound diagnosis is the foundation for sound treatment recommendations.
What factors contribute to gum recession?
Numerous things happen underneath the exposure or where the roots become visible. These factors result in the loss of supportive bone and gum tissue. We take a comprehensive approach to examining contributors to this damaging process, which include anatomical characteristics (the thickness of the bone and tissue), excessive biting forces, shifting teeth, and infection. An accurate understanding of these factors informs recommendations to help patients regain their oral health.
What happens when gum recession is not treated?
When the gums pull away from the teeth and expose the roots of the teeth, this area may become sensitive to sources of heat, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. Since the gums “frame” the teeth and contribute to the overall appearance of your smile, gum recession can make the gumline look imbalanced. Your smile may appear overly “toothy.” When significant, gum recession can predispose you to further loss of support and root surface exposure. Since the root surface is softer than enamel, caries (decay) and root erosion may occur.
How do you treat gum recession?
Due to advancements in plastic and reconstructive surgery, our specialists can rebuild tissue in areas that have sustained the effects of gum recession. Today’s soft tissue reconstruction uses minimally invasive surgical techniques instead of large incisions to prevent further recession, cover exposed roots, and restore lost tissues.
What is involved with minimally invasive soft tissue reconstruction?
Our minimally invasive approach involves taking a thin piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth or adjacent areas and placing it to cover the exposed root surface. This gingival graft provides a stable band of firm tissue around the tooth. It is a highly predictable procedure performed through small openings. It produces great, highly aesthetic results with significantly reduced patient discomfort.
Is soft tissue reconstruction safe?
Yes! When in the hands of a skilled specialist, the risks and complications of gum surgery are minimized. We confirm that patients’ mouths can safely provide the gum tissue needed to perform such surgery successfully. If not, we can discuss other techniques and interventions.
If you’ve been told by your doctor that you have gum recession or you think you might need gum grafting, call the office of Perio Implant Chicago today at (312) 736-7959 .
