Receding gums is often associated with periodontal disease, however it can also be caused by other factors not related to periodontosis. The professional term for the retraction of gum tissue is recession. In a recession, it is characteristic that the edge of the gum is much higher (in the upper jaw) or lower (in the lower jaw) than it should be, which is why the root of the tooth is exposed and visible. Aesthetics is not the only problem patients complain about when it comes to receding gums. Gum tissue plays an important role in protecting the teeth roots from external influences such as cold, hot and sweet foods.
This is why patients with recessions often complain of discomfort and even pain when eating sweet dishes or drinking cold or hot drinks. Receding gums which are not caused by periodontosis usually occur due to a brushing action which is too hard or too vigorous using brushes which have hard bristles. Consequently, the brushing technique also plays an important role in receding gums, so horizontal brushing (left-right, almost scrubbing) applying strong pressure frequently causes the gums to recede due to permanent irritation.
Sometimes it is possible to cover the root with white filler material and thus protect it from external influences. However, without changing the brushing technique and if the edge of the filling rests slightly on the edge of the gum, recession will continue. Such a situation is also not aesthetically acceptable because, visually, the crown of the tooth looks far longer than is natural.
When gum recession is caused by a brushing action which is too harsh and irregular, the retraction can be stopped by surgery and the gums can be restored to their original height through education and change of brushing technique. The surgical procedure is planned on a strictly individual basis, depending on the situation in the oral cavity and the number of teeth the recession has affected. Sometimes a small section from the palate must be taken to cover the roots in the gum. The sutures are removed after 2 weeks, during which, the operated area should not be brushed, but hygiene should be maintained by rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash to reduce the amount of bacteria and prevent infection. This specific aesthetic procedure is closely allied to the field of dentistry, which is called periodontology (the science of dental tissue, bone and the dental support system), and our doctor Jovičević, a specialist in periodontology, has acquired his title and expertise through specialist training in this field of dental medicine. In cases where gum recession is caused by a pereodontic disease (periodontosis), especially if it is advanced, any reversal of gum recession by surgical procedure is not possible, however, by inserting a crown (crowns), it is possible to hide any visible and exposed roots and create an attractive smile.
If you notice that your gums are receding, please contact us with confidence to determine the exact cause so we can devise a treatment plan tailored exclusively for you.
