Yes, cosmetic dentistry can effectively treat receding gums. The initial treatment typically involves teeth cleaning, scaling, and root planing to remove plaque and smoothen the area, promoting gum healing. If these measures are insufficient, additional cosmetic procedures, such as gum contouring, are available to further address gum recession. Gum contouring is one of the least invasive methods and can help create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing gumline.
Young female sitting in dentist office and looking at her doctor with smile
What Are Receding Gums?
Receding gums are a condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to withdraw, thereby exposing the roots of the teeth. This exposure does not affect sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. However, discomfort may be experienced during teeth brushing with cold water if gum recession is severe.
The condition of receding gums creates an environment conducive for bacterial settlement, leading to plaque accumulation, exacerbation of existing gum disease, and potential tooth loss. Treatments exist, but their effectiveness is limited due to the irreversible nature of gum recession.
What Are The Causes of the Gum Recession?
Gum recession can be caused by various factors, all of which you should be aware of. Knowing what causes your gums to recede can help you avoid this problem in the future.
Tooth-brushing too hard:Â Brushing your teeth too vigorously can harm your gums. This can cause your gums to recede over time.
Clenching & grinding:Â Do you clench or grind your teeth at night? Then you could be causing gum disease. Consult your dentist about mouth guards and other ways to safeguard your teeth.
Gum disease:Â If gum disease is left untreated or uncontrolled for a long time, gums may begin to pull away from your teeth. This is especially true if plaque is present on your teeth all of the time. Regularly cleaning your teeth is highly recommended.
Trauma:Â If you have an accident or get hit in the face, your gums may pull back. Consult your dentist if you’ve recently received a blow to the head or other facial trauma, and your teeth appear to be affected.
How Do Dentists Treat Receding Gums?
Dentists start the treatment of receding gums by conducting an assessment of the damage extent.
If gums have receded, the presence of an infection is likely, prompting the dentist to prescribe antibiotics to lower the bacteria count in the mouth.
Dentists commonly prescribe the following medications in addition to antibiotics:
- Topical Antibiotic Gel: This is an antibiotic intended for direct application to the affected region.
- Antimicrobial Mouthwash: This mouthwash targets and eradicates bacteria. Post a deep clean or root planing, antiseptic chips (gelatin pieces loaded with chlorhexidine) are positioned in the areas of receding gums. Enzyme suppressants like doxycycline doses are also utilised to inhibit enzyme production from bacteria.
How Does Cosmetic Dentistry Treat Receding Gums?
In cases of mild gum recession, cosmetic dentistry first resorts to teeth cleaning. This process involves not only the elimination of gaps and the removal of tartar and plaque, but it also includes additional procedures such as tooth scaling and root planing.
These treatments contribute to plaque removal and smoothening of the area, enabling the gums to recover. Dentists might also prescribe antibiotics to facilitate gum healing and return to their initial position.
If the above methods do not alleviate gum recession, other cosmetic procedures could be employed. Despite being irreversible, treating receding gums through cosmetic dentistry is a significant and effective option.
Treating Serious Cases of Gum Recession
If you experience a severe case of gum recession, you should first be examined to determine the severity of the problem and have your teeth cleaned. This cleansing is necessary because it cleans the gaps between your teeth, removes tartar and plaque buildup, and allows your gums to heal.
The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the bacteria that is causing the gums to recede and allow them to regenerate on their own, with the gum line eventually returning to its original position.
There’s a surgical option that may be able to correct your oral problem if the situation is dire and of the most extreme nature.
Conclusion
To some people, fixing receding gums by cosmetic dentistry is a much preferable solution to their gum issues. They will feel more confident in social situations where smiling is an important part of human interaction. Gum contouring and gum veneers can help people of all ages proudly show off a healthy, attractive smile.
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