How to Treat Gum Recession

Gum recession can be a problem even if you have a healthy mouth. Learn from Forster Dental Centre on how to treat it or prevent it.

The recession of gums is known as gingival recession. It is a common occurrence and is when gum tissue pulls back – or recedes – from where it typically sits around a tooth or a number of teeth.

When the gum recedes, it exposes roots of the teeth and can become quite painful.

What Causes Gum Recession?

There are a number of reasons why gums can recede and while some can be remedied at home, others may require the attention of a dentist.

To be sure, schedule an appointment with the professionals at Forster Dental Centre.

The many causes of gum recession may include:

• Aggressive oral care. If you are scrubbing your teeth as opposed to brushing them gently, you may be causing gums to recede. Using a ‘soft’ toothbrush will help most but a change in brushing habits could prevent further issues
• Family history. Your genetics will play a role in your oral health. For example, if your parents had gum recession, your probability of developing it may increase
• Crooked or misaligned teeth. If your teeth are not properly aligned with each other, gingival recession can develop
• Teeth grinding. If you tend to grind your teeth, particularly at night, a number of issues may be the cause. This can include receding gums
• Any form of trauma to a tooth or series of teeth can cause gums to pull back in response
• Bad oral health habits. This is very different to aggressive brushing habits. If you don’t take very good care of your teeth, gums may begin to recede due to a buildup of bad bacteria or plaque.

Looking at Treatment for Gingival Recession

When you have your consultation with a dentist at Forster Dental Centre, an examination will reveal much about your receding gums. The dentist will then be able to advise you on what treatment options are available to you.

Should your gum recession treatment require surgery, a gum specialist called a periodontist will work with you to determine the best course of action. There are a number of options, depending on your situation, and may include:

• Scaling and root planing. This “deep cleaning” involves the removal of tartar and plaque from the surface and roots of your teeth. As gum tissue that has receded does not grow back, treatments are designed to prevent further recession
• Gum grafting. This procedure treats severe cases and involves the removal of gum tissue from elsewhere in your mouth. It is then grafted to a location around a tooth where the gum has pulled back. Once healed, this protects the tooth and tooth root.

The Cost of Treating Receding Gums

Costs of any kind of dental treatment will vary depending on a number of factors including the severity of the problem and if additional treatments are required. With this in mind, here are a few of the average costs associated with treating receding gums:

• Gum tissue graft for one tooth: $600-$1,200
• Scaling and root planing: $175-$900
• Gum trimming / recontouring (performed during tissue graft): $300-$500.

Contact Forster Dental Centre Today!

If you have the symptoms of gum recession, do not delay. The sooner you seek treatment from the professionals at Forster Dental Centre, the quicker your issue is remedied and you will be on the road to better dental health.

Call us today to schedule your consultation appointment to allow us to examine your gums and determine the best treatment for your condition.

Forster dentist is also serving local communities in Tuncurry, Pacific Palms, Smiths Lake, Hallidays Point, Failford, Old Bar, Nabiac, Taree, Manning Valley, Bulahdelah, Harrington and Great Lakes.