Protecting Teeth from Receding Gums
When gums recede, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma, which can result in premature tooth loss. When gum recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial attack is lost. When gum recession becomes problematic, gum reconstruction using a variety of gum replacement techniques best suited for your particular condition, becomes an option.
Gum recession results in bone loss around a tooth, root sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. When significant gum recession exposes the root surface, which is softer than enamel, it can lead to root caries and root gouging.
Gum Grafting
A gum or gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. In treating gum recession, we have multiple options to regenerate the lost tissue. One option is harvesting a thin piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth and transplanting it to the recession defect. Another option is using donor tissue or synthetic tissue instead of the patient’s own tissue. There are other options that our surgeons can discuss on a case-by-case basis. A thorough examination is necessary to provide treatment options that are tailored to each individual patient.
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached gum tissue around the tooth, which preserves the underlying bone and helps retain the tooth.
Frenectomy
A frenum is a naturally occurring muscle attachment, normally seen between the front teeth (either upper or lower). It connects the inner aspect of the lip with the gum. A lack of attached gingiva, in conjunction with a high (closer to the biting surface) frenum attachment, which exaggerates the pull on the gum margin, can result in recession. Additionally, an excessively large frenum can prevent the teeth from coming together resulting in a gap between the front teeth. If pulling is seen or the frenum is too large to allow the teeth to come together, the frenum is surgically released from the gum with a frenectomy. A frenectomy is simply the surgical removal of a frenum.