Treatment and Prevention of Gum Recession in Sydney
Receding gums are caused by a number of factors related to genetics and lifestyle. It occurs when the natural gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing it and creating pockets between the teeth and gum line. If left unaddressed, receding gums can lead to severe damage to your teeth and result in tooth loss. At Northern Beaches Dental, we specialise in a number of gum recession treatment options in Sydney.
Gum Recession Treatment
There are many receding gum treatment options available to patients today. Mild cases of gum recession can be addressed by visiting the dentist for a deep cleaning of the area. Tooth scaling helps remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces below the gum line. In some cases, antibiotics may also be prescribed to help manage infection. If you are living with severe gum recession, other treatment options are also available.
Open Flap Scaling and Root Planing
This is a procedure that requires dentists to fold the gum tissue back and remove plaque from the pockets caused by gum recession. Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, the gum flap is folded back so that all gaps and pockets are covered.
Gum Regeneration
In cases where gum recession has progressed to the point where the bone is affected, a procedure called gum regeneration is performed to restore bone and tissue. The affected gum tissue is folded back and the site is cleaned using dental tools. Next, a tissue stimulating protein is used to help the body regenerate bone naturally over time. The gum flap is then folded over the area and allowed to heal.
Soft Tissue Graft
The most commonly used procedure for severe receding gum treatment is a soft tissue graft. Using a painless method, your dentists will cut and fold back a flap of skin at the roof of the mouth, removing some of the connective tissue underneath. This tissue is then stitched to the gum tissue around the root of the tooth.
Prevention of Gum Disease
At Northern Beaches Dental, we encourage our patients to use preventive measures to avoid gum recession. The best way to prevent gum disease is to visit the dentist every six months for regular dental checkups. This will allow your dentist to monitor the signs of recession, identify the cause and begin a personalised receding gum treatment plan for optimal results.
It is also recommended that patients use a soft toothbrush to prevent damage caused by hard bristles and side-to-side brushing.
Changes to your lifestyle will also go a long way towards preventing gum recession. Smokers are often at greater risk of developing gum disease. Research indicates that a healthy diet can greatly reduce the rate of gum recession.
Effective Dental Solutions for Gum Recession in NSW
Contact Northern Beaches Dental for research-based gum recession treatment options that address the root of the problem and improve the quality of your smile in NSW.