Have you recently noticed your teeth getting longer in size? The reason may be gum recession – a degenerative condition in which the gums start pushing back from their initial position. Sounds unsettling, does it not? In case you are wondering if the receding gums can ever grow back or not, this blog is for you.
What is Gum Recession?
Your gums are supposed to fit at the base of your tooth that is protruding from the socket. Its job is to hold the tooth tightly and fix it in place. When the gums recede or push back, they expose the tooth base and the nerve endings flowing through it.
Since the roots do not have a protective coating, the nerves residing there get exposed to sensitivity triggers and are susceptible to decay.
Can Gums Grow Back After Receding?
Unfortunately, your gums cannot grow back on their own after receding. Once it moves, the possibility of gums growing back on their own is next to nothing.
However, do not stop just yet.. There are few treatments and methods that will help in slowing and stopping the advancement of this condition.
Fixing Receding Gums
Since receding gums cannot grow back, dentists have developed various surgical and non-surgical methods to restore your healthy gums.
Scaling and Root Planing
This technique is considered one of the first line treatments for gum recession. Scaling and root planing is a restoring procedure that removes hard calcified plaque and tartar from the teeth line. The dentist uses a scraper or an ultrasonic device to scrape off the tartar.
The dental hygienist may apply a gel that has antibacterial properties to clean the area.
Flap Surgery
The surgeon will make a small cut in the gums and move it upwards. He will also make sure to clean any tartar or plaque left behind during the scaling and root planing procedure. Once done with deep cleaning, they will fix the gum tissue in place again to prevent bone loss.
Gum Graft Surgery
If the receding gums have developed severity, your dentist can recommend getting gum graft surgery for its repair. In this procedure, tissues are extracted from any other place in the mouth to cover the exposed tooth with a receded gum line. The placement helps prevent bone loss and sensitivity issues.
Resin Bonding
Resinous material closest to the color of the gums is selected and placed on the receded line. The roots of the exposed teeth are covered, relieving sensitivity and giving it a natural visual appearance.
Prevention of Gum Recession
While receding gums are normal as you grow older, some preventive measures can help slow down the process
- Appropriate flossing technique or not damage and push back gum tissues.
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush twice a day to wash off bacteria and plaque away.
- Wearing a mouthguard
- Antibacterial rinse
- Deep dental cleaning
What to do next?
Resort to surgical methods for prompt treatment of gum receding from the line since they cannot grow back on their own. At Smile Time Dental, our competent set of dentists provide excellent services at the most affordable prices. Leave your worries to us, sit back, and watch the restoration of your smile. To book an appointment, call now at 281-245-0711.