Causes Of Gum Recession That Can Be Corrected With Tissue Graft Surgery

What causes a dental fistula?

The remedies and treatments in dentistry are not limited to the teeth but are also involved with numerous gum issues. It is crucial to pay attention to your gums as much as you focus on teeth as gum diseases or periodontal diseases can lead to tooth loss conditions. Receding gums is the main problem here as they provide support and protection to the tooth’s root.

This article will take a closer look at the causes of gum recession and discuss corrective tissue graft surgeries for your reference.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a process where the margins of the teeth tear, wear, or pull back, exposing the tooth’s root. When this happens, gaps and pockets form between the teeth and gums making it easier for bacterial build-up.

When harmful bacteria collect in these gaps and multiply, a harder substance called calculus or tartar is formed. Tartar formation damages your teeth and gums further, leading to cavities and periodontal diseases.

Calculus is a more rigid form of plaque that cannot be removed by domestic brushing. If this accumulation is left untreated, the tissues or the gums will further deteriorate, loosening the tooth, which will eventually result in tooth loss.

Family dentists state that gum recession is a common dental problem that gets little notice due to its slow progression. The initial symptoms of recession are tooth sensitivity and seeing a few teeth longer than the others due to erosion.

Causes Of Gum Recession

Gum recession can occur due to several factors such as hereditary conditions, oral hygiene practices, and other habits. Given below are the most common causes of receding gums.

Periodontal Diseases

Starting from gingivitis, periodontal diseases can extend up to four stages. Only the first stage can be reversed entirely. The harmful bacteria and related accumulation damage the gums severely. Periodontal diseases are considered the leading cause of gum recession.

Inadequate Oral Practices

It is essential to perform daily brushing and floss to maintain proper oral conditions. If you are not following these practices, plaque can easily stay in your gums and eventually cause gum recession.

Hormonal Changes

This is mostly seen in women during pregnancy and menopause stages. Here, the gums become more sensitive due to hormonal changes, making them more prone to damages.

Aggressive Tooth Brushing

Some people think aggressive tooth brushing can wash away all the food and debris from the mouth. Dentists often advise using toothbrushes with soft bristles and smooth brushing in circular motions. Hard brushing can cause wear and damage to your enamel leading to gum recession.

Smoking

Using tobacco products, betel, or chewing products can damage the gums and make them more sensitive, making it easier for plaque formation.

Dental Malocclusions

Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can exert extra pressure on teeth and gums, damaging them and causing erosion.

Tissue Graft Surgery

Tissue grafting is the standard treatment method used to heal receding gum conditions. The process is followed in three different forms. You can choose your preferred method after finalizing with your dentist. The three procedures are:

Connective-tissue graft

Here, a skin flap is cut from the roof or the palate of your mouth, and tissue is taken to stick to the exposed gums. Once the process is over, the flap is stitched back down.

Free gingival grafts

In this method, a flap is not created. Instead, a small amount of tissue is directly taken from the mouth’s roof and attached to the receding gum area. This is performed for people with thin gingiva and requires more gums to enlarge the surface.

Pedicle grafts

If you have plenty of gum tissues near the exposed tooth, this method is the apt option. Here, a pedicle or a partial cut is performed, and the tissues are pulled over the exposed area and stitched accordingly.

To follow a tissue graft surgery, you can also take tissues from a tissue bank to expose the tooth area if you are unwilling to cut and take your tissues for the process. You can get advice from your doctor to know the most suitable method for you after identifying your problem’s severity and other conditions.

It is essential to treat receding gums as it can lead to tooth loss ultimately. If you think you have a receding gum condition, visit us at German Dental Clinic for a comprehensive oral examination. Our doctors are happy to help you smile with confidence.

Book your appointment