Gum recession is often the result of a severe infection in the soft tissues of the oral cavity, but fortunately, a periodontist can treat the condition in a couple of different ways. While treatment may seem daunting, the condition will only worsen if left untreated. Keep reading to learn more about the available treatment options.
The following information highlights how a periodontist treats gum recession.
When gum recession is at a minor stage, periodontists often recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. Scaling and root planing is also referred to as a deep dental cleaning, which targets the gum tissue. The goal of this procedure is to make gum pockets smaller in size. Doing this ultimately helps with gum recession.
During a scaling and root planing procedure, the patient can expect their mouth to be numbed so there is not any discomfort. The periodontist then pulls back the gumline and clears out the roots, ensuring no build-up is left behind.
The procedure typically takes an hour to two hours. In severe cases, the dentist might recommend doing one arch in one appointment and the other in another appointment. This reduces the amount of stress that is put on the mouth.
When gum recession is moderate to severe, a simple scaling and root planing procedure might not be effective. It will still be helpful and even beneficial to the health of the gums, but more serious attention might be necessary. In this case, the periodontist might recommend gum grafting. A gum grafting procedure is more in-depth because it requires oral surgery.
During a gum grafting procedure, the periodontist might bring in the help of an oral surgeon for extra support. Typically, this process takes around two hours to complete because tissue from another area of the mouth has to be removed and then placed along the targeted gumline.
Although gum recession is treatable by a periodontist, it is advised for patients to seek ways to avoid the condition altogether. Periodontists can provide many resources to help prevent gum recession, including:
When consulting with a periodontist, patients can ask for specialized recommendations on keeping the gums in good shape.
When suffering from gum recession, it is ideal to consult with a periodontist right away. A consultation enables the periodontist to evaluate how severe the patient's condition is, so they can determine what type of treatment is needed. Additionally, patients can ask questions and go over any existing concerns. To learn more about gum recession and how it is treated, reach out today.
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