Many people experience gingival (gum) recession. This condition can affect the appearance of your smile and result in tooth sensitivity. Gingival recession can occur for many reasons including: aggressive brushing/trauma to the gum tissues, post-orthodontics treatment, poor oral health leading to gum (periodontal) disease, teeth grinding (bruxism) and poor tooth alignment. It is characterised by the gums shrinking around the teeth. The roots of the teeth become exposed and hence the increased sensitivity.
How to Prevent Gingival Recession
Like other gum diseases, gingival recession can, in most cases, be prevented. In other words, by maintaining the overall state of your oral health with a diligent routine of proper care, you reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease and subsequent gingival recession. Regular check-ups with your dentist are also a great way to prevent gingival recession and maintain optimal oral health. It is essential to have a thorough periodontal assessment prior to commencing orthodontics/Invisalign therapy, to identify any potential risks of gingival recession in the future.
Gingival Recession Treatment
Depending on the type or more specifically, the classification of gingival recession (see diagram below), a gum grafting procedure can help to improve the recessions. Gum grafting procedures are generally group into 2 categories: free gingival graft or sub-epithelial connective tissue graft. Most commonly, the golden grafting material is your own tissues, which is usually harvested from the palate/tuberosity. Alternatively, there are other materials that can also be used for gum graft procedures such as Geistlich Mucograft®, a Type I and III porcine collagen and/or tissues derived from human cadaver such as Puros® Dermis Tissue Matrix (ZimVie) or Alloderm Regenerative Tissue Matrix (Biohorizons). In addition, a tissue-stimulating protein, Straumann®Emdogain®, is commonly applied to the exposed root surfaces to enhance taking of the tissue graft and promoting wound healing.
A periodontist (gum specialist) in iSmile Dentistry will be able to provide you the relevant information, pertaining to your needs.
Miller’s Classification of Gingival Recession (Class I & II: complete root coverage is achieved; Class III: partial root coverage achieved; Class IV: no root coverage can be achieved)
Why Contact iSmile Dentistry for Gingival Recession Treatment?
At iSmile Dentistry, we have a periodontist who is fully qualified to perform all treatments for gingival recession.
Your periodontist at iSmile Dentistry will help you make the right decision on the type of gingival recession treatment most ideal for your case based on our clinical assessment. If you are interested in improving your gum recessions to not only improve your smile, but also the longevity of your teeth, please get in touch with our friendly team at (02) 9030 4310.
