Have you noticed your teeth looking longer lately, or experienced new sensitivity to hot and cold? These could be signs of gum recession, a common dental condition where the margin of gum tissue surrounding your teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. The common expression “long in the tooth” is derived from this oral health condition. People use this expression thinking it’s an indicator of getting older when in fact it’s gum recession and can happen to young people as well as old. While often gradual and painless at first, gum recession can lead to serious oral health problems when left untreated.
At Dee for Dentist, we regularly help patients address gum recession with our comprehensive approach to periodontal care. Our team uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to stop recession and restore your gum health. With our convenient locations in Las Vegas at Silverado Ranch and the Medical District, addressing your gum concerns has never been easier.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the pink gum tissue that normally covers the roots of your teeth starts to pull away, creating pockets or gaps between the teeth and gum line. This exposes the sensitive root portions of your teeth that aren’t protected by enamel, leaving them vulnerable to damage and decay.
The issue with gum recession is that as the gums pull away, bacteria and debris get caught in the spaces leftover and prevent the gums from reattaching which leads to recession. Because it’s below the gum line, it usually can’t be cleaned with traditional home care which is why we need to see you so that we can get in there with specialized instruments to clean it out with the goal of making it healthy so it reattaches before it recedes. Once gums recede it’s nearly impossible to bring it back without surgical intervention. Extreme bacteria and recession leads to bone loss which is a larger issue for the longevity of the teeth staying stable.
Several factors can contribute to gum recession. Aggressive tooth brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush often damages gum tissue over time. Genetic factors also play a role, as some people are born with naturally thinner gum tissue and are more prone to recession. Periodontal disease, hormonal changes, tobacco use, grinding or clenching your teeth, and even misaligned bites can all accelerate gum recession.
Common Symptoms of Gum Recession
Gum recession typically develops slowly over time, which makes recognizing the early warning signs particularly important. Here are key symptoms to watch for:
- Visibly longer teeth than before
- Exposed tooth roots that appear yellowish
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A notch you can feel at the gum line
- Spaces developing between teeth
- Red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing
- Bad breath or a persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth
Many people first notice gum recession when they experience tooth sensitivity or see that their teeth appear longer. If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental examination as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
When gum recession requires intervention, we offer several effective treatment approaches at Dee for Dentist. The appropriate option depends on the severity of your recession and its underlying cause.
For mild recession, we often begin with a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing. This removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the exposed root surface to prevent further bacterial attachment.
For moderate to severe recession, surgical interventions may be necessary. Traditional gum grafting involves taking tissue from elsewhere in your mouth and attaching it to the affected area. At Dee for Dentist, we also offer advanced techniques like the Pinhole Surgical Technique, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional grafting with faster healing times and less discomfort.
Our dental laser technology also plays a crucial role in gum treatment, allowing for precise, comfortable procedures with reduced bleeding and faster healing compared to traditional methods.
Ready to Address Your Gum Recession?
Gum recession doesn’t have to be a permanent condition. With early intervention and proper treatment, we can stop recession in its tracks and often restore your gumline to a healthier state.
Our team includes an implantologist and specialists who train other dentists on dental laser technology. Dr. Dee is also a specialist in Healthy Start, a program that addresses sleep-disordered breathing in children. With our focus on digital, surgically guided implants and cutting-edge dental technology, we provide modern solutions for all your dental needs. Call us today at (702) 586-7800 for our Silverado Ranch location or (702) 870-3818 for our Medical District office, or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
