Dental Procedure For Dental Recession
Dental recession is a displacement of the gum around the teeth that results in greater tooth exposure and a longer looking tooth. As the gum that protects the root surface of the tooth is lost, not only does it create an esthetic deformity, it makes the tooth more sensitive to changes in temperature (hot and cold), touch, and to proper oral hygiene techniques. The exposed root surfaces also are more susceptible to cavities. Causes of dental recession include:
- Periodontal disease: The bacteria that cause gingivitis can release toxins that injure the gum tissues and create gum recession. Once the gum is affected by gingivitis (see article "Gingivitis"), it is even more susceptible to further dental recession and bone loss. So if the gum is red, swollen, or bleeds when probed, it is more likely to continue receding. Eventually, there may not be enough healthy gum and bone left to protect the tooth and the tooth may need to be removed. If there is less than 2 mm of healthy gum in an area of recession, a dentist may recommend a gum graft to help prevent further receding gums and help protect the tooth.
- Trauma: Medium or hard bristle toothbrushes, brushing too hard, or brushing inappropriately can damage the teeth and the gums. It is very important to use a soft bristle toothbrush when cleaning the teeth, and to follow proper technique. Mechanical trauma to the gums also can be caused by improperly fitting dental restorations or dentures. Fillings that are rough or dentures that are loose or poorly designed can injure the gums and cause them to recede.
Gums also may recede as a result of orthodontic treatment or from manipulation during restorative procedures. To prevent this from occurring, a dentist may recommend gum grafting before orthodontics or restorative treatment.
Gum grafts are indicated if an individual has root sensitivity to touch or temperature changes, if new restorative work will be done in the area of the dental recession, if the roots are susceptible to cavities, or if an individual is having problems following proper plaque control procedures. In addition, gum grafts are cosmetic periodontal procedures that can be performed to enhance smiles if recession has created esthetic problems such as long teeth or exposed roots.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
It's important for your dentist to know if you have diabetes, and how you're controlling it. Good control of your diabetes affects your oral health as well as your overall health.
Diabetics tend to be less resistant to infection than non-diabetics, have more fragile bones, and take longer to heal after an operation.
An oral infection can make diabetes worse, which makes the infection worse, which makes the diabetes worse - and so on into a major medical problem.
Diabetics develop severe gum disease more often, too, especially over the age of 40. Once gum inflammation - gingivitis - sets in, it can erupt into periodontal disease or even infection in the jaw. In undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetics, this could mean tooth loss.
How to hang on to your teeth?
Practice preventive dentistry and follow the medication, diet, and meal schedules recommended by your physician. This, with balanced rest and exercise, will bolster your resistance to disease, including oral infections and cavities.
If you're taking insulin injections, you may want to schedule appointments around your medication times. The stress of an examination or procedure can change the way your body uses insulin. Your dentist will want to be prepared to help you in case you have a reaction. And let him or her know if you are taking any other medications. Drug interactions can be serious.
You may want to have your gums examined (and have a dental cleaning) by a dental hygienist more often than twice a year - just to make sure nothing suspicious gets started.
And on the home front, good dental hygiene - controlling plaque, the invisible bacterial film that undermines teeth - is crucial. Home care rules to live by: brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. The more, the better.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.