Should gingival recession be treated?

Gingival recession refers to a condition in which the gum tissue pulls away from the roots of the teeth, reducing the support given to your teeth. Extreme recession leads to tooth loss as the teeth become loose and eventually fall out. If you have problems with your gums, even if your symptoms are limited to minor inflammation, you should talk to your dentist about appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Gingival Recession

Early symptoms of gum disease include increased space between the gum tissue and the tooth roots. When you visit the dentist, he measures the depth of the pockets between the gums and the teeth. If these pockets are more than two or three millimeters deep, he will probably recommend treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease.

In its early stages, treatment for gum disease is relatively simple and non-invasive. Your dentist may recommend a special toothpaste, an antibacterial mouthwash, or treatment with antibiotics. As the infection becomes more serious, however, treatment becomes more difficult. In later stages, your dentist will probably recommend a deep cleaning procedure called planing and scaling. With planing and scaling, the dentist cleans between the gum tissue and the tooth and also smooths out the tooth root so there are fewer rough surfaces where bacteria can collect. If gum disease progresses even farther, you may require gum surgery, which usually involves grafting tissue from the roof of the mouth onto the gums to create sufficient tissue to support the teeth.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Although gum disease is difficult to diagnose in its early stages, there are some symptoms you can keep an eye out for. If you see any of these problems developing, be sure to bring them to the attention of your dentist:

• Bleeding when you brush your teeth
• Swelling
• An unusual color or appearance in gum tissue
• Persistent, extreme sensitivity

For the best chances of diagnosing gum disease before it becomes serious, be sure to visit your dentist regularly. 

Are you due for an appointment? Contact our office at Bliss Dental today!