Porcelain veneers can help address some issues associated with gum recession, but they cannot treat gum recession per se. When gum recession occurs, the root structures of the teeth may be exposed. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and other issues.
A patient suffering from gum recession usually has two options for fixing a smile. The first involves grafting tissue taken from the roof of the mouth to the receded gums, a procedure that fills in the exposed surface of a tooth. The second solution is the application of veneers over the exposed section.
How can cosmetic dentistry help? One of the most common solutions for receding gums is gum contouring. This process involves cutting away tissue from the roof of a patient's mouth to use as a graft to cover tooth roots exposed due to gum recession.
Unfortunately, there's no way for gums to grow back, but there are some ways to improve your smile after gum recession. The most minimally invasive option is a gum (or gingiva) veneer. Just as porcelain veneers can help improve the look of your teeth, a gum veneer can help improve the look of your receding gums.
Gum graft surgery is the most predictable and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. Typically, a periodontist (gum specialist) performs this procedure. During this surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue.
In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.
How Far Can Gums Recede? Gums can recede to the extent at which the uppermost portion of the root becomes visible. Damage can also extend to the ligament and the bone, where it cannot be seen.
Dental veneers are a great way to improve your smile after you have experienced gum recession. There is no way to grow back gums that have been receding, and veneers are the most minimally invasive option for this.
Factors. The average dental veneer will last anywhere from five to 15 years, depending on a few factors. Individuals that practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis will likely experience longer-lasting dental veneers.
A Response From the Gum Tissues
The gum tissues might take some time to adjust to the newly-placed veneers. There will likely be some minor inflammation and/or discomfort in the gums. The dentist will take a closer look at any remaining gum tissue inflammation during the post-operative check-up.
The simple answer is no. People with porcelain veneers can suffer from gum recession, but the porcelain veneers themselves are not the cause of lost gum tissue. The most common causes of gum recession include: – Gum disease.
What do Receding Gums Look Like? The way to identify receding gums is by looking at the gum tissue surrounding each individual tooth. If the height of the gum tissue varies or if you see that the gum tissue surrounding the teeth draws back and seems red or worn away, then you are looking at receding gums.
Gum recession is one of the many conditions that can be treated with the use of composite fillings. Receding gums can reduce confidence in the appearance of a person's smile and increase the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay.
For porcelain veneers to properly attach to your teeth, they must be shaved down and fitted before the veneers can be placed. This procedure causes damage to your teeth, but the veneers cover any evidence of the process.
The dental veneers will chip or crack or get worn down. Composite or porcelain veneers can be durable, but they can start to wear down and may even crack over time. Your tooth supporting the veneer can become decayed. The veneer can be intact and strong even if the underlying tooth is not.
Keep in mind that veneers are permanent and require preparation (light shaving) of your natural teeth. Once you receive them, you can't go back to your natural teeth.
Grafting of gum cannot be successful over veneers. One option is to remove the veneers and place temporaries, graft the gum tissue, and then place new veneers shaped and of a length you desire.
Poor oral hygiene can cause receding gums in two ways. First, if you do not brush your teeth properly, some plaque remains, which can buildup up tartar. Tartar breeds disease-causing bacteria which affect the gums, causing them to recede towards the tooth root. The second is through aggressive hygiene.
Periodontitis – Advanced Stages of Gum Disease
In addition to symptoms of gingivitis, signs that you have periodontitis may include: Receding gums. Increasing spaces between teeth. Loose teeth.
Receding gums are a form gum disease in which your gums pull back from the tooth surface, exposing the root surfaces of your teeth. This can be a serious condition as a consequence of poor oral hygiene, which may eventually lead to tooth loss.
The cost of gum grafting starts at $1200. There are other factors, like the severity, that may increase the cost. Remember, we have payment options available to suit your budget.
The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.
How many teeth need to be grafted? If you need many teeth in your mouth grafted and want to just get this procedure done once, then alloderm should definitely be considered. If you use your own tissue, the most teeth you can typically graft at once would probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 teeth.
Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can improve teeth and gum health and prevent additional gum recession.
Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it's time to seek treatment.