Techniques that Repair Receding Gums

Since nearly 2/3 of adults with gum line defects lose at least one permanent tooth, techniques to repair receding gums is something that sufferers of the condition will likely become quite knowledgeable of. Gum tissue is the kind of soft tissue that does not regenerate on its own; therefore, advanced loss can require extensive surgical techniques to repair receding gums. The good news is, technology and science has brought forth procedures to regenerate hard and soft tissues of the mouth. With the cooperation of the patient, there is much that can be done to do away with gum loss once and for all.

Generally, when a dentist sees that there is a need to repair receding gums any opportunity to use non-invasive corrective procedures is the first choice. This saves the patient time, money and most importantly, it can save them a good amount of discomfort. However, in situations where this is not possible, a dentist can consider the following options for the patient:

• grafting of soft tissues
• regenerating hard/soft tissues
• pocket/flap reduction procedures

The grafting of soft tissue to repair receding gums is often the most common procedure used for repairing gum line defects. Donor tissue is taken from some part of the mouth, typically the roof of the mouth (also called the palate) and is then placed over the exposed root of a tooth. In conjunction with stopping further gum or bone loss, this procedure can reduce sensitivities to hot and cold food or beverage items and actually get the patient smiling again.

When it comes to the regeneration of bone tissue and soft tissue, the removal of the infection causing the problem is required. To do this, the gum tissue is folded back, the bacteria removed and a protein compound for stimulating growth of soft and hard tissues is applied. The patient must then comply with routine hygiene appointments and examinations that will keep a watchful eye on the regrowth process.

To repair receding gums with pocket or flap reduction, the gum tissue must, as in the procedure above, be pulled back to remove infectious bacteria. At times, smoothing the bone underneath may be necessary where the texture may have become pocketed or uneven, creating a habitat for bacteria to flourish at an uncontrollable rate. Once again, patients must comply with a home based oral hygiene regimen like OraMD® on a daily basis mixed with routine dental cleanings to completely cure receding gums and ensure problems do not reappear.