Gum recession is a condition that causes the tissue around your teeth to pull away and expose the teeth roots, leaving you vulnerable to decay and severe decline of your oral health. At our relaxing and friendly Nashville, TN, dental practice, Dr.Jerry Hancock can effectively treat gum recession through personalized care. For mild cases of gum recession, he can provide a deep cleaning. However, for advanced cases, he typically performs soft tissue grafting. It is essential to seek timely treatment because, without treatment, receding gums can cause tooth loss, negatively impacting the health and aesthetics of your smile.
Dr. Hancock's goal is to treat the damage caused by receding gums and to prevent the problem from happening in the future.
Common Causes of Gum Recession
The most common cause of receding gums is periodontaldisease. However, the condition can also occur due to a variety of other factors, such as:
- Injury to the mouth or gums
- Smoking and tobacco products
- Teeth grinding
- Oral piercings
- Using a hard toothbrush
- Crowded teeth
- Hormones
- Aging
Regardless of what led to gum recession, Dr. Hancock can help you determine an appropriate treatment plan. His goal is to treat the damage caused by receding gums and to prevent the problem from happening in the future.
Treating Gum Recession
Depending on the extent of gum recession, Dr. Hancock will perform one of two procedures:
Scaling & Root Planing
For mild cases, Dr. Hancock will perform scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning. This process is similar to a regular dental cleaning but focuses on the area below the gum line. During scaling and root planing, plaque and tartar are gently removed from below and above the gum line using a special instrument. Bacteria is then flushed from the periodontal pockets around the teeth. Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, Dr, Hancock will manually smooth the tooth roots to repair damage and help prevent plaque from accumulating along the gum line in the future. Typically, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the treatment area.
Soft Tissue Grafting
For more advanced cases, Dr. Hancock will perform soft tissue grafting. During this procedure, sedation dentistry can be used to ensure comfort. To repair areas affected by gum recession, a tissue graft will be placed over the exposed tooth roots. The tissue may be obtained from your own mouth or it may be provided by a tissue bank. There are several methods of this treatment that can be performed based on your needs and available tissue.
After Your Procedure
Dr. Hancock will also provide you with detailed instructions and information about the healing process. It is likely that your diet will consist of softer, less spicy foods because your mouth will be more sensitive than usual. However, once healing is complete, you will enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing smile and improved oral health.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
To prevent gums from receding, there are several precautions you can take including:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
- Avoiding smoking and tobacco products
- Attending bi-annual exams
- Protecting your smile while playing sports
- Wearing a mouth guard overnight if you suffer from bruxism
Additionally, if you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of gum recession, reach out to us as soon as possible to minimize the damage to your oral health.
Set Up an Appointment Today
Gum recession requires immediate care from your dentist. If you have not undergone a recent cleaning and exam, please schedule an appointment with us by contacting us online or calling us at (615) 383-0132. Our priority is preserving your oral health with exceptional dental services. Dr. Hancock and our team will ensure that you and your family are well taken care of.
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