Receding Gums FAQs. How long does it take for receding gums to heal after treatment? On average it takes about 2-4 weeks for gums to heal, but it can take longer depending on the severity. You will want to schedule a follow up appointment with your dentist to check up on your healing and overall gum health.
The short answer to this question is no, receding gums do not grow back. Let's identify what causes receding gums first to give you the opportunity to slow the gum recession. We can also look at treatments for receding gums such that the introduction of a procedure will stop the recession as well.
Surgery - If your gums already have pockets that are too deep or you've experienced too much bone loss, a deep cleaning won't be enough to treat the gum recession. In these instances, surgery may be necessary. Bone regeneration and tissue or gum grafts are two procedures frequently recommended to address receding gums.
Mild cases of gum recession may be improved with nonsurgical treatments, such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics. In most instances, however, gum recession surgery is needed to fully correct the problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease contribute to gingival recession. However, receding gums can also occur in people with good oral hygiene. The primary causes of gum recession include : physical wear or low grade trauma to the gums over several years.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Gum recession can be caused by dental diseases as well as trauma. It can be generalized, meaning it involves all or most of the teeth, and sometimes you may notice receding gum on one tooth. The most common cause of receding gums is gum disease like periodontitis.
If you brush overly hard, this can lead to premature wear on the gums, increased sensitivity, or bleeding. Over time, brushing aggressively may also cause the gums to begin to recede. Some patients are especially vulnerable to this problem, as they have more delicate gum tissue due to genetics.
Flossing Can Cause Gum Recession – When trying to pull the floss through the spaces between the teeth, some people may pull too hard causing the floss to violently pull on the gum tissue. This may allow the floss to go beneath the gum line, causing bleeding, gum recession, and even gum disease.
The Corsodyl mouthwash helps with bleeding gums as well as recession, and it prevents gum disease. It is the go-to brand for many people with gum recession. Corsodyl contains an active ingredient called chlorhexidine digluconate, an antiseptic that kills bacteria that aren't layered onto the teeth.
The average cost of gum graft surgery ranges from $600 to $1,200 per tooth. If gum contouring is performed to give the gums a more attractive appearance, it may add several hundred dollars to the total cost. Additional factors that impact the price of gum grafting include: Number of teeth being worked on.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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.
Is gum graft surgery worth it? Gum grafting boasts high success rates of over 90%. This procedure gives you the best chance of treating gum recession and improving your overall oral health. Left untreated, gum recession can result in cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility and even eventual tooth loss.
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.
Gum recession is often considered a normal part of aging. Even the expression “long in the tooth” stems from our gum line receding and exposing more of our teeth as we age. However, there is nothing normal about gum recession.
Gum recession refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. It is important to understand that bone loss has occured where gum recession is present.
Within a week the gums will start to heal and reattach to the roots of the teeth. The initial discomfort should be gone. Full recovery and reattachment can take up to 6 or 8 weeks, but patients are usually back to normal eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing within the first week.
To start, take your index finger and massage your gums just under your teeth. Apply a small amount of pressure and start massage in a circular motion. If you feel a little bit of tenderness and pressure, that is normal, but if you are experiencing pain, then stop right away and contact our office.