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Gum recession

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Gingival (gum) recession is not uncommon and can occur suddenly in isolated sites in healthy mouths OR as a consequence of gum disease.

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It can be scary and occasionally painful to have receding gums, but you don't need to worry. There are several steps you can take at home that may serve as effective treatment for receding gums, depending on the severity of the problem.

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Causes of Gum Recession

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The following are some of the most common causes of gum recession:

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  1. Overly aggressive brushing or flossing. It's great to be enthusiastic about oral care, but you should make sure that you're brushing, not scrubbing! Be gentle on your teeth, and remember that taking care of them isn't supposed to hurt. Seeking advice from your dentist, hygienist and/or Periodontist (gum specialist) is an important aspect of preventative advice.

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  1. Genetics. Your gums' characteristics are determined by your genetics, just as the rest of your body is. Generally, this is seen in areas where the gum quality is thin and fragile.

  2. Abnormal tooth positioning. If your teeth are not in alignment to one another, gum recession can occur in this situation.

  3. Trauma to gum tissue. The gum tissue may recede when a traumatic injury has occurred on a tooth or teeth.

  4. Poor oral health. If your oral health habits are questionable, gum recession may be a result of periodontitis.

  5. Muscle activity. The muscle attachments in certain areas of the chin are high and tension on the gums can aggravate recession.

  6. Previous history of orthodontic treatment where tooth movement can result in recession of the gums

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In most cases, a number of the above factors work in combination to cause the recession.

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Receding Gums Treatment

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There are a number of different treatment modalities, depending on the cause and symptoms experienced.

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The following treatments are generally available:

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  1. Tooth brushing advice

  2. Application of topical desensitisers where you experience sensitivity

  3. Oral hygiene instructions on how to keep the gums clean

  4. Use of gingival veneers

  5. Gum grafting surgery to:

    • Either increase the thickness of the tissues to prevent further recession in the future (but not cover the recession); and/or​

    • Root coverage plastic surgery procedures including connective tissue grafting or using alternative modalities like Alloderm

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We recommend you see our Periodontist (gum specialist) for a consultation to provide you with the advice needed for prevention and management of the recession.

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Taking care of your oral health is very important. Your mouth is a great indicator of your general wellness, and an oral infection can affect your whole body. Be gentle with your teeth, and see our periodontist if you have any persistent discomfort.

Case

Gum Grafting using Alloderm

Judy presented with recession around her lower incisor tooth, following brace treatment. The recession was managed using one surgical procedure with minimal post operative swelling/side effects.

Case

Gum Grafting using Connective Tissue Grafting

Before

After

Charles had generalised recession affecting multiple teeth, due to previous aggressive tooth brushing habits.

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He was managed by taking the gum graft from his palate.

Case

Gum Grafting using Connective Tissue Grafting

Before

After

Raj presented with recession around the margins of his existing crowns. he was right-handed and as such with most right handed people, he brushed his teeth more aggressively on the left side resulting in recession around these teeth. The recession was managed with minimally invasive gum graft taken from his palate.

Case 

Gum Grafting using Connective Tissue Grafting

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Imelda presented with generalised recession involving her upper and lower teeth. These were managed using a gum graft derived from the palate (roof of the mouth)

Case 

Gum Grafting using Alloderm

Before

After

Amar presented with recession around the canine, premolar and molar teeth on the right side of the upper jaw. The recession was managed with a product called Alloderm, which is derived from other human donor sources and works amazingly well.

Case 

Gum Grafting for increasing Keratinised Tissue (Free Gingival Graft)

Benefits of the free gingival graft

  • Increase vestibular depth to allow for better access for oral hygiene measures

  • Improve the amount of attached keratinised tissue and augmentation

  • Provide more robust tissue

A combination of simple treatment and soft tissue grafting has helped the patient in many ways:

  1. Her symptoms of discomfort have improved

  2. There is much reduced bleeding on brushing

  3. There is no plaque or calculus deposits

What our Patients Say

"I would recommend this practice to friends or family. I was treated with dignity and respect by staff at the practice at all times. I was treated very well and the procedure to be carried was fully explained to me as was the cost. I would recommend this practice to everyone. Wonderful service and treatment."

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- John Langton -

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