Gum recession occurs when your gums begin to pull away from the teeth, making your teeth appear longer than they should.
There is no one reason as to why gums begin receding, but if you or your dentist notice your gums receding it is important to treat it as soon as you can.
But is it possible for receding gums to grow back?
If there is only minimal recession, you may just need to modify your at-home hygiene. When your gums recede past 3 millimeters, this is where treatment will likely be necessary. At our practice, we treat gum recession using a soft tissue graft. Soft tissue grafts involve taking tissue and grafting it to create a healthy band around the tooth as well as cover the root of the exposed tooth. Healthy gum tissue can be taken from three areas:
- The roof of the mouth
- The extra tissue around the top wisdom teeth
- Gum tissue from adjacent areas
A special material called Alloderm can also be used instead of your own tissue.
Another treatment option is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique. Chao Pinhole treatment involves the periodontist using a special tool to gently move the gums into the proper position around the tooth. This treatment option does not involve using other tissue and tends to be a more comfortable option.
If your dentist notices that your gums are receding, feel free to schedule an appointment with our practice today to discuss what can be done to treat this issue.