Gum Recession in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Gum recession is an issue that is both common and has many contributing causes. Gum recession can develop from the pockets that form between your teeth and gums from repeated gum infections, your genetics, or hard tooth brushing. Gum recession will increase as infected or diseased gum tissue continues to die. The gum tissue will recede all the way to exposing the root of the tooth when left untreated.
Gum Recession Information
Gum recession occurs over an extended period so you may not realize that there is even a problem until it has reached an advanced stage. Now your tooth root is exposed and susceptible to infection, decay, and deterioration. Untreated gum disease will also lead to jawbone deterioration and is the primary cause of tooth loss among adults. Untreated periodontal disease can also cause other associated health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and a stroke.
The Symptoms of Gum Recession
Gum recession is hard to self-diagnose in the preliminary stages because the changes occur asymptomatically and gradually. Regular and consistent dental check-ups with PerioImplant Associates will help you prevent gum recession and help in identifying risk factors.
The following symptoms can be indicative of gum recession:
- Longer-looking teeth – If you are experiencing gum recession, you may have a toothy looking smile. The length of your teeth is normal, but the gum tissue has been lost, making the teeth look longer.
- Sensitive teeth – When your gums recede enough to expose the cementum protecting the tooth root, the dentin tubules become more susceptible to external stimulation.
- Visible roots – This is one of the primary characteristics of a more severe case of gum recession.
- Halitosis, inflammation, and bleeding – These symptoms are characteristic of gingivitis or periodontal disease. As the bacteria infects your gums they swell, bleed and you develop bad breath.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
Common Causes of Gum Recession
There are a variety of factors that can play a role in the cause of gum recession, including the following:
- Genetic Predisposition- Gum disease and gum recession are afflictions that can be the result of your genetics. You should try to learn sooner versus later if this might be the case so you can take some preventative measures to lessen the impact. You can investigate available treatments and procedures that can help prevent or improve the damage caused by gum recession.
- Development of Periodontal Disease- Once bacteria begins to build-up along your gum line, it can immediately infect the gums causing periodontal disease to develop. This needs to be treated as soon as possible, since the plaque will only continue to expand under the gumline causing excessive bleeding. If you have reached this level of gum disease you will need to schedule a series of deep cleanings and regular checkups. You might need to consider tissue and root therapy, or more extensive methods to address the disease.
- Improper Tooth Brushing- Aggressive tooth brushing is a leading cause of gum recession. Hard bristle toothbrushes or improper brushing techniques damage the tissue along your gumline and cause your gums to recede. PerioImplant Associates recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and learn the proper technique for brushing to avoid gum damage.
- Malocclusion- An incorrect bite will cause this uneven alignment ailment. If you are suffering from malocclusion, you will notice excessive wear and tear on your teeth and gums. If left untreated or uncorrected you will encounter gum recession. This also results in bone loss, which then leads to an extraction.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
Treatment of Gum Recession
Every case of gum recession will be slightly different, and therefore many treatments options are available. The source of the problem which caused the recession needs to be addressed first.
If your aggressive brushing techniques are eroding the gums, then a softer toothbrush and a gentler technique should be introduced. If poor oral hygiene is the cause, professional dental cleaning may be recommended to clean the gum pockets of bacteria. If you have a severe plaque buildup, scaling and root planing will be performed to remove the source of the inflammation allowing your gums to heal.
Once the initial cause of your gum recession has been addressed, PerioImplant Associates might recommend surgery of a more cosmetic or restorative nature. Gum tissue regeneration or gum grafting are two successful procedures to restore the natural symmetry to your gums and to improve your smile.
Gum Recession Risks
The tooth roots are physically softer than the enamel of the tooth crown and are therefore more prone to erosion and more sensitive to excessive temperatures. They can also easily be damaged from bacteria, food acids and aggressive brushing. Teeth with exposed roots can become so worn down that they can loosen or fracture.
The Cost of Your Gum Recession Treatment
The cost of your gum recession treatment will vary depending on the extent of your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will first discuss with you the cost of your proposed treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make an informed choice for your situation.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
The entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focus, and that is to provide you with superb care. It can be normal and natural for you to be apprehensive about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist like a periodontist. We understand, which is why we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are completely trained to address your issues and concerns. We will explain the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and share any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a gum recession procedure for you. Each of us will greet you and send you home with a healthy smile that you will be eager to share.