Periodontal Disease and Receding Gums

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Factors That Affect Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when the gums start to pull back from the roots of your teeth.

Some causes of gum recession include:
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Genetics
  • Tooth Brushing Routine
  • Poor Dental Hygiene
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Tobacco Use
  • Grinding or Clenching of Teeth
  • Crooked Teeth or Bite Misalignment
  • Body Piercing

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Methods Of Treating Gum Recession

There are several different methods in which Shenandoah Valley Implant Institute can treat receding gums:

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Periodontal Disease and Receding Gums in Harrisonburg, VA

What causes receding gums?

Gum recession can be brought on by a number of different causes. These include:

  • Periodontal Disease - Plaque and bacterial buildup can irritate the gum tissue and cause it to detach from the surfaces of your teeth.
  • Aggressive Brushing - Patients who brush their teeth too hard run the risk of damaging the tissue. Eventually, the tissue can begin to wear down and expose the tooth root.
  • Hormone Changes – Most women experience a significant rise in hormone levels during pregnancy. This can increase the chances of periodontal disease and receding gums.
  • Misalignment – Misaligned teeth can cause problems with your bite that place extra pressure on your gums. Over time, this can lead to a receding gum line.

How is gum recession treated?

We will first need to address any active periodontal disease. Gum recession that occurs as a result of mild periodontal disease can be treated fairly simply. The Shenandoah Valley Implant Institute doctors can perform a deep cleaning and provide locally administered antibiotics in order to eliminate bacteria. However, moderate to severe cases can be a bit more difficult. There are a few different treatments that we may recommend depending on the nature and severity of your case:

  • Pocket Depth Reduction – Your doctor will gently fold back the infected tissue to allow access to the bacteria located beneath the gum line. This may also be accomplished with laser gum surgery.
  • Regeneration – After pocket depth reduction, the Shenandoah Valley Implant Institute doctors can use a regenerative material to stimulate regrowth of bone and tissue in the areas affected by periodontal disease.
  • PST™ - This procedure is a minimally invasive method of replacing gum tissue lost to gum recession. A small opening is made in the gums through which special instruments are introduced to loosen and restore gum tissue to a healthier level.
  • Soft Tissue Graft – These procedures involve taking a tissue sample from the mouth and grafting it onto the gum line in order to restore it to a healthier level. 

Since periodontal disease is often the cause of gum recession, it is important to treat this condition first before we can restore your gum line. If you are suffering from receding gums in Harrisonburg & Winchester, VA, contact Shenandoah Valley Implant Institute to find out which treatment is best for you!