Gum Lift Surgery: Reasons for Receding Gums

gum lift surgery Columbus, OH

Gum lift surgery is an exciting, minimally invasive method for the treatment and correction of receding gums. To help inform those who may be good candidates for this type of technique, we have prepared the following information.

What is gum recession?

When gums recede, a portion of the tissue of the gum that normally covers and protects parts of the tooth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth and potentially even exposing the root. Gum recession also involves tiny spaces, or "pockets," that form between the teeth and the gum tissue. These pockets trap bacteria, which over time, can build up and cause disease. If left untreated, the jawbone beneath the pockets can become infected and weaken, and this condition could ultimately result in tooth loss.

What causes gums to recede?

There are a large number of possible factors that can lead to receding gums, including underlying periodontal disease, which is caused by bacterial infections in the gum tissue that, if left untreated, can destroy gum tissue and the supporting jawbone responsible for anchoring a person’s teeth in place. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of receding gums.

Genetics can also play a role in gum recession. Some people appear to be genetically predisposed to experiencing receding gums. Some studies even show that between 25-30% of all people will experience some type of periodontal disease regardless of their dental health care regimen.

Overzealous or aggressive tooth brushing with a hard bristle brush can cause receding gums. If teeth are brushed in a manner that is too abrasive or vigorous, it can push the gums away from the teeth or even lead to the loss of tooth enamel. If tooth enamel is removed via overzealous brushing, this can damage the tooth, which can also cause the gums to recede. People should always use a soft bristle brush and brush their teeth and gums gently.

Just as too aggressive or vigorous dental hygiene practices can lead to damage, so too can inadequate, sporadic or otherwise insufficient dental health care. Inadequate time spent brushing and flossing the teeth can lead to a buildup of tartar. Tartar starts out as plaque, but if it is not dislodged, it becomes thicker and harder and turns into calculus — or tartar — which can only be removed by qualified professionals using special tools. An excessive buildup of tartar can also cause the gums to recede, so care should be taken in following a regular dental hygiene routine.

Another possible cause of gum recession could be the result of changes in a woman’s hormonal system. When a woman’s hormone levels fluctuate during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, it can make the soft tissues of the mouth more sensitive and more susceptible to damage, which can lead to receding gums.

Lastly, smoking cigarettes is one of the leading causes of periodontal disease. Cigarette smoke carries many toxins that can adversely affect the tissues of the body, and regular smokers can expect to experience some gum recession.

How can gum recession be treated with gum lift surgery?

Receding gums is a commonly reported dental problem. In many cases, receding gums require surgical intervention to address. In the past, traditional gum recession surgery was more involved and invasive and required longer recovery time. Now, with gum lift surgery, receding gums can be treated through tiny incisions in the gum line. Do not ignore gum recession — consult with a qualified dental health care professional in your area today by clicking below!

Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Developing A Treatment Plan With Your Implant Dentist

During the consultation with an implant dentist, the patient and the dental team can put together a treatment plan. There are various steps during the teeth replacement process. Knowing them ahead of time can help the patient prepare prior to any scheduled procedures to ensure the implant dentistry process is as easy and convenient as…

An Implant Dentist Talks About Good Candidates For This Procedure

You may be a good candidate for an implant dentistry procedure if you are missing one or more teeth and desire the highest quality (and most natural) restoration possible. This review discusses what an implant dentist looks at when determining if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure.Ideally, implant dentistry patients should have…

How A Root Canal Can Save Your Tooth

Finding out that you need a root canal can be terrifying. This procedure has always been seen in a negative way. In truth, this treatment can restore your dental health. Here are the details on how a root canal can prevent tooth loss.The dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp material from its chamber.…

Implant Dentistry Options For Multiple Missing Teeth

Implant dentistry is growing in popularity due to the unique benefits that it offers over other alternatives for multiple teeth replacement. The most commonly recommended treatment options for implant dentistry when replacing more than one tooth are implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures.This review discusses the primary types of implant dentistry options for patients seeking teeth…

Recent Posts

Developing A Treatment Plan With Your Implant Dentist

Developing A Treatment Plan With Your Implant Dentist

During the consultation with an implant dentist, the patient and the dental team can put together a treatment plan. There are various steps during the teeth replacement process. Knowing them ahead of time can help the patient prepare prior to any scheduled procedures to ensure the implant dentistry process is as easy and convenient as…

An Implant Dentist Talks About Good Candidates For This Procedure

An Implant Dentist Talks About Good Candidates For This Procedure

You may be a good candidate for an implant dentistry procedure if you are missing one or more teeth and desire the highest quality (and most natural) restoration possible. This review discusses what an implant dentist looks at when determining if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure.Ideally, implant dentistry patients should have…