What is Gingival Recession?              

Also known as receding gums or gum loss, gingival recession occurs when your gum margin recedes, revealing too much of your crown. When this happens, it can expose the root, leading to increased sensitivity and a toothy smile.                      

When your gums recede, your body loses a natural defensive barrier that keeps bacteria out. It also makes your teeth prone to injury. Even the simple act of brushing can become painful. In minor cases of gum loss, our dentists may simply recommend that you modify your oral hygiene practices. Switching to a soft toothbrush and sensitive toothpaste may be all that is needed. In other cases, gum loss is more severe.              

If you don’t have enough healthy gum tissue to protect your tooth, a soft tissue augmentation may be necessary. Through gum tissue grafting, our Detroit dental specialists can help you regain lost gum tissue.              

Benefits of Treating Receding Gums        

Gingival recession may cause some of your teeth to look longer than others. This can have a visible aging effect that impacts your face as a whole. Soft tissue grafting at Lakeshore Dental can easily replace your lost gum tissue.    

This innovative treatment improves your gum contour, resulting in a more even and youthful gum line. The treatment does more than create a more pleasing smile. Adding gum tissue decreases tooth sensitivity when you consume hot or cold food items. It can also reduce bleeding and discomfort while brushing your teeth. Finally, restoring your gums helps to protect your teeth from bacteria that cause tooth rot.

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The Treatment of Recession Procedure      

If your recession needs intervention, then periodontal surgery may be performed to correct it.

This keeps your teeth healthy, preventing further recession and bone loss. At Lakeshore Dental Specialists, we strive to provide you with the best gingival recession treatment Detroit has to offer. That's why our doctors are trained in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating gum recession. Several treatment options are available to fix receding gums, such as:

Sub-epithelial Connective Tissue Graft          

This is considered the gold standard for treating gingival recession. A sub-epithelial graft is suitable when only one or a few teeth are affected by gum loss. After numbing the site, our dentists harvest a small piece of connective tissue from the roof of your mouth. Next, they position the harvested tissue on your exposed root and suture it in place. Dissolving sutures keep the tissue graft securely in place. The graft is living, so it becomes a permanent part of your tissue once it heals. As a minimally invasive procedure, antibiotics or painkillers may not be needed.

Complete X-rays          

If gum loss has affected several of your teeth, then an acellular dermal matrix may be the best approach. Instead of harvesting tissue from the roof of your mouth, a donor material known as PerioDerm™ restores your lost gum tissue. The process is similar to a sub-epithelial tissue graft described earlier, except the roof of your mouth does not need to be cut or stitched.

What to Expect During Your Treatment of Recession Recovery        

After your gingival recession treatment, your gums need time to heal.  

Our dentists will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. You may be advised to avoid brushing and flossing after your procedure. Antibiotics and a peri-oral rinse may be provided. Our dentists may recommend avoiding hot and cold food or drinks for several days. These can increase bleeding and sensitivity. Soft foods, such as Jell-O, eggs, pasta, and smoothies, are safe choices. If you have any questions, you may contact our office.    

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Schedule Your Consultation for a Gingival Recession Treatment in Detroit        

Contact Lakeshore Dental Specialists today to learn more about gingival recession treatments by calling our office or clicking the booking link. A patient care coordinator will reach out to confirm your appointment.