Gum recession is often associated with gum disease. Your gum tissue becomes inflamed, pulling away from your teeth. As the pockets grow deeper, your tissue continues to pull away, causing recession.
Another common cause of gum recession is brushing too hard. One way of dealing with recession is with a gum graft, but how do you know you need one?
What is a Gum Graft?
A gum graft is a surgical procedure in which tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth and sutured over the areas of recession on your teeth. Frequently, the tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth in one of two ways.
A connective tissue graft takes the tissue out from under a small incision at the roof of your mouth. A free gingival graft takes the tissue directly from the roof. After the procedure, your gums can reform a secure fit around your teeth.
Your Teeth Look Long
Gum recession doesn’t happen overnight. But as it happens, you may notice that your teeth suddenly look longer than usual. Not only does this cause an aesthetic concern (which can lead to self-consciousness), it can also cause an oral health issue, leaving your teeth more susceptible to decay. You may also notice gaps appearing between your teeth where there once were none.
Exposed Roots
Eventually, your gums can recede so far down the surface of your teeth, your roots can become exposed. And when they do, you could be faced with severe sensitivity issues. You will most likely notice that foods that are hot or cold, or those that are spicy, sour, salty or acidic lead to significant pain. Even breathing in cold air can be painful.
Loose Teeth
As bacteria attack from under the gum line, they attack the supporting structures of your teeth. This can cause your teeth to become loose. Coupled with a receding gum line, and your teeth are in serious danger of falling out.
If you have noticed any symptoms of gum recession, contact our office to find out if you are in need a gum graft.
