Receding Gums Treatment in Burke, VA

Advanced dentistry in a state-of-the-art surgical center.

Receding gums

Healthy gum tissue protects teeth from disease and is cosmetically important to ensure a naturally beautiful smile. When gum tissues recede, your teeth may look longer and older. It can also often cause sensitivity and increases the risk of cavities. At Washington Periodontics we can treat receding gums and keep your mouth looking and feeling healthier.

Signs of Receding Gums
The first sign of mild gum recession is often tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods. As gums recede, you may also see changes in the appearance of your teeth or notice that your teeth look longer.

If left untreated, gum recession can lead to more serious problems such as tooth loss, bone loss, and gum disease.
Causes of Gum Recession
There are many factors that can cause your gums to recede such as poor oral health, clenching or grinding teeth, being too aggressive when you brush your teeth, an oral piercing, periodontal disease, tobacco use, genetics, orthodontics, and more.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Constant grinding and clenching of teeth can put a lot of pressure on your gums and cause them to recede. This is often a subconscious habit people do at night while sleeping. If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, you may need a mouth guard or night guard to protect your teeth from further damage.

Brushing Aggressively

While we all know it’s important to brush your teeth twice daily, you should be careful not to brush too hard. Brushing your gums and teeth too hard can cause damage and recession. It's recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions on the teeth and along the gum line when brushing.

Oral Piercings

An oral piercing can rub against your gums and cause them to recede. If you have an oral piercing, it’s important to clean it regularly and see your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection that can cause tooth decay and cause the affected gum tissue to recede. It is often caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups are important to prevent periodontal diseases and bacterial gum infections.

Tobacco Use

Using tobacco products like smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can be a major cause of gum recession. If you smoke, it’s important to quit to help prevent gum recession and other oral health problems.

Genetics

Genetics makes some people more susceptible to gum disease and gum recession. If you have a family history of gum disease, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. You should see your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups and cleanings as recommended to help prevent these issues.

Orthodontics

If you have braces or other orthodontic devices, they may put pressure on your gums and cause them to recede. It’s important to see your orthodontist regularly and follow their instructions on caring for your braces to prevent gum recession.
Gum Recession Treatment
The best way to treat gum recession is to prevent it from happening in the first place. However, if you already have receding gums, treatments are available to help stop them from getting worse and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Some treatment options for gum recession include:

Soft Tissue Grafts

A soft tissue graft, also known as a gum graft, is a procedure where soft tissue is removed from another area of your mouth and grafted onto the gum tissue surrounding the affected area. This can help to stop gum recession and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Connective Tissue Graft

A connective tissue graft is similar to a soft tissue graft, but the tissue is taken from underneath your skin. This type of graft is often used when not enough soft tissue is available in your mouth.

Free Gingival Graft

A free gingival graft is a procedure where gum tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and grafted onto the receding gums. This can help to stop the progression of gum recession and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Bone Grafting

If you have bone loss due to gum disease, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended. In this procedure, bone is taken from another area of your body or a donor and grafted onto the bone around your teeth. This can help to stop the progression of gum disease and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure where a barrier is placed over the area of bone loss. This barrier prevents the gum tissue from growing into the area of bone loss and allows the new bone and connective tissue to grow. This can help to stop the progression of gum disease and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a procedure that is often done for cosmetic purposes. This procedure removes the excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. This can improve the appearance of your teeth and make them look longer.

Washington Periodontics

If you are concerned about gum recession, it’s important to see a dentist or periodontist to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.

At Washington Periodontics, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. We offer a variety of treatment options for gum recession and can work with you to develop a plan that is right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

YOUR NEW SMILE STARTS WITH A PHONE CALL

Schedule Your Appointment

Click To Schedule ›
OFFICE LOCATION
9004 Crownwood Ct., Suite A
Burke, Virginia 22015
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Schedule Your Appointment ›Talk to a Treatment Coordinator: 703-569-4040 
Northern VirginiaNova
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram