What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth, making the teeth look and appear longer than normal. You will look older with receded gums, and your teeth will become sensitive to heat and cold. They will also be subjected to more damage since the root surfaces are softer than tooth enamel and are not as well protected. Gum recession is common and has many causes. Gum recession can happen because of pockets forming around the teeth from gum infections, genetics, or some previous orthodontic therapy. Gum recession will increase as infected or diseased gum tissue dies. The gum will eventually recede all the way to the tooth root when gum disease is left untreated for extended periods of time.
Nothing but absolute perfection is acceptable at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. The entire staff focuses on a warm, patient, and caring experience for your dental care. Every day, every appointment, every procedure, the team concentrates on earning and maintaining your trust. We are proud to collaborate with you and your family, and each team member participates in continuing education to always apply the recent innovative technological advancements in the dental industry. Whether it is a regular checkup exam or a procedure to address Gum Recession, simply call us at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750, and schedule your appointment today. You can easily find us at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.
Unfortunately, gum recession often occurs over a lengthy period of time so that you may not realize that there is an issue until it has reached an advanced stage. Now your tooth root is exposed and susceptible to infection, decay, and even deterioration. Untreated gum disease will also lead to jawbone deterioration and is the single most common cause of tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can also result in other associated health issues which include diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
eddy periodontics & implant dentistry
Our Highly Skilled & Compassionate Team
Our team, led by Dr. Nelson Eddy, a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology, and his son, Dr. Joseph Eddy, combines decades of experience with advanced training to provide exceptional care for every patient.
Some Common Causes of Gum Recession
The most common causes of gum recession are:
- Severe periodontitis, gum disease- Once bacteria begins to form along the gum line, it will cause gum disease to develop. This needs to be treated immediately because it will result in excessive bleeding and plaque build-up below your gum line. If you have entered this stage of gum disease, your team at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry will need to perform an initial series of deep cleanings and regular checkups. We might need to consider tissue and root therapy, or even more intensive procedures, depending on the severity of the disease.
- Misaligned teeth- This ailment is the result of the uneven alignment of teeth from an incorrect bite. If you are suffering from malocclusion, you might notice excessive wear and strain on your teeth and gums. If this is left untreated or uncorrected, your gums will also begin to recede. This will also cause bone loss, which in turn results in tooth loss.
- Inadequate earlier dental hygiene- If brushing and flossing are performed incorrectly or neglected all together, plaque build-up will begin to affect your teeth. All plaque contains damaging bacterial toxins which will promote infection of the gums and erode the underlying jawbone.
- Overly aggressive brushing or flossing- On the other side, overbrushing can be as damaging to the gums as too little. Brushing too hard or brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush will erode the tooth enamel at the gum line, irritating and inflaming the gum tissue.
- Tobacco products- Any sort of tobacco use has devastating and damaging effects on your entire oral cavity. Chewing tobacco will aggravate the gingival lining of the mouth and also causes gum recession if used continuously.
- Genetics- Gum disease and gum recession can also be the result of your predisposed genetics. You should try to determine as soon as possible if this is the case so Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry can take the necessary preventative measures to lessen the impact and learn about available treatments and preventative procedures that will help improve any damage caused by recession or disease.
Symptoms that may be Indicative of Gum Recession
Gum recession is an incredibly widespread and frequent problem that Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry diagnoses and treats often. Here are a few symptoms:
- Sensitive teeth – When your gums recede enough to expose the cementum protecting the tooth root, the dentin beneath becomes more susceptible to external stimulation.
- Visible roots – One of the main characteristics of an advanced case of gum recession.
- Longer-looking teeth – If you are experiencing gum recession you might have a “toothy” smile. The length of your teeth is normal, but the gum tissue has been lost, making your teeth appear longer.
- Halitosis, inflammation, and bleeding – These symptoms are quite common of gingivitis or gum disease. An infection causes gum recession and will cause tooth loss if not treated promptly.
Treatment of Gum Recession
Every case of gum recession can be slightly different, therefore there are several treatments available at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. We will identify the nature of the problem which has caused the gum recession first.
If aggressive brushing habits are eroding your gums, a softer toothbrush and a gentler brushing technique will be strongly advised. If poor oral hygiene is a contributing factor, a skilled professional dental cleaning will be recommended to remove the debris and bacteria in the pockets. If you have severe tartar build up, we will perform a careful scaling and root planing procedure to remove and heal the gingival inflammation and clean the teeth.
Once the primary cause of the gum recession has been addressed, we might recommend surgery of a more cosmetic or restorative nature. Gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting treatment are two excellent ways to restore the natural symmetry to the gums and restore your smile making it look more aesthetically pleasing again.
Bone Grafting
When teeth are extracted or oral cysts are removed, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate. This can result in a sunken facial appearance and make dental implant placement more difficult. A bone graft is a straightforward procedure that promotes the growth of new bone cells, helping to restore your oral health and prepare you for further treatments.
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Sedation Dentistry
Patient comfort is a top priority for us. To ensure your procedure is both safe and pain-free, we offer various sedation options. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, we may recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. We hope these options provide you with peace of mind as you prepare for your treatment.
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Variety Of Services For All Your Needs
At Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our goal is to give each patient personalized attention, taking the time to thoroughly understand their needs and concerns. We offer detailed evaluations and comprehensive care to ensure our patients leave feeling positive and in excellent oral health. Explore the treatments we offer to learn more.
Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Earns Your Trust with Our Warm and Caring Focus
Our team is methodical in our approach, concentrating on your well-being through your procedure and your daily life. We appreciate the anxiety and apprehension that often comes with dental care, and therefore we take the time and effort necessary to make you comfortable throughout. Call us today at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750 with any questions you may have or to schedule a Dental Implant restoration, and we look forward to seeing you at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.