Did you know that your gums can recede? Gum tissue can wear away, leaving your teeth exposed to sensitivity and a greater risk of tooth decay. Besides being unhealthy, receding gums are also unattractive, adding years to your appearance. Fortunately, there is a safe, effective treatment for receding gums in Leesburg, VA, the gum graft.
Gum Grafts for Receding Gums
The connective tissue gum graft is the most common treatment for receding gums. With this method, your periodontist will take donor tissue from a flap cut in the roof of your mouth and will then attach it to the area of gum recession. Once sutured in place, the new tissue integrates with the existing, effectively covering receding gums. The healing process can take weeks to complete but will ultimately provide you with a healthier, beautiful smile.
Gum Disease is the Leading Cause of Receding Gums
While there are many contributing factors to gum recession, gum disease is the number one cause. The bacteria that cause gum disease slowly destroy the periodontal tissue. If this condition is present, it must be treated and resolved before your periodontist can perform your gum graft. Most gum recession is the result of the following:
- Periodontal disease
- Improper brushing techniques
- Poor oral hygiene
- Hormonal changes
- Tobacco use
- Oral piercings
- Prescription drugs that cause dry mouth
- Injury to the mouth
- Misaligned bite
- Teeth grinding/bruxism
If you are noticing that you have areas of receding gums, visit your periodontist for an evaluation. This is a condition that will only worsen if not treated quickly, especially if gum disease is the root cause. Additional gum disease symptoms include bleeding or swollen gum, bad breath, wide periodontal pockets, tooth sensitivity, or shifting teeth.
We invite you to call our office for a consultation for receding gums in Leesburg, VA. Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche is an experienced, compassionate periodontist who can help you determine the source and best treatment for your gums. We look forward to hearing from you.
