Treatment of gum recession

Gum recession is a progressive condition manifested by gum tissue recession and exposure of tooth roots. In the early stages, it develops without symptoms and causes only aesthetic discomfort. However, if treatment is not started in time, complications may arise in the form of increased sensitivity, deep caries, and tooth mobility.

At Oxford Medical dentistry, gum recession treatment is performed by experienced general dentists, periodontists, and surgeons. Thanks to the high-tech equipment of the clinics and the use of the most advanced therapeutic methods, successful results are achieved even in complex cases of the disease.

Gum recession is a condition in which gum tissues gradually atrophy and recede, leading to the exposure of tooth roots. It can develop in a small area or simultaneously on both jaws.

The danger of gum recession lies in the fact that the disease can progress, causing tooth mobility and eventually leading to tooth loss. In addition, when the neck and root of a tooth are exposed, sensitivity to temperature and taste stimuli increases, as well as susceptibility to caries. They lack the protective enamel layer that covers the crown and shields it from external factors.

Gum recession may develop due to:

• gingivitis, periodontitis, or periodontal disease;
• bruxism;
• malocclusion causing uneven chewing load distribution;
• poor oral hygiene;
• gum trauma (due to improper installation of braces or prostheses, use of hard toothbrushes, thermal or chemical burns, or lip and tongue piercings);
• certain endocrine diseases.

The risk of developing the condition is higher in middle-aged and elderly people, as well as in those with thin gums, anomalies in the alveolar ridge structure, or improper tooth positioning.

Gum recession may be:

• Localized – the gum recedes near one or several adjacent teeth;
• Generalized – the disease affects one or both jaws.

Depending on the degree of gum recession, three stages are distinguished:

• Stage I – the gum margin slightly detaches from the tooth and recedes less than 3 mm;
• Stage II – the gum recedes by 3–5 mm;
• Stage III – the gum recession reaches 6 mm or more, leading to exposure of the roots and tooth loosening.

Specialists also use Miller’s classification, which distinguishes four stages of the disease:

1. Thinning and recession of the marginal gums;
2. The pathology extends to the attached gums;
3. The gums recede in the interdental spaces;
4. Root exposure is observed around the entire tooth circumference.

A detailed classification allows doctors to assess the severity of tissue damage and select the optimal treatment method.

To diagnose gum recession, you should consult a periodontist. During the appointment, the doctor will carefully examine and assess the condition of your teeth and gums. An experienced specialist can detect the disease and determine its stage based on external manifestations.

In complex cases, the following may be required:

• examination using a dental microscope;
• dental X-rays;
• panoramic jaw imaging (orthopantomogram);
• measurement of periodontal pocket depth and other tests.

In gum recession, patients are prescribed comprehensive treatment, which may include:

• Medication therapy – the use of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as local application of dental gels, ointments, and mouth rinses;
• Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar;
• Vector therapy – ultrasonic treatment of gums and teeth, including roots up to a depth of 11 mm, to remove bacterial biofilm, plaque, and calculus;
• Surgical gum restoration – gum augmentation using the patient’s own tissue taken from the cheek or periodontium, or using a collagen matrix;
• Vestibuloplasty – surgical correction of the distance between the gum and the movable part of the oral mucosa (used in cases of a short upper or lower lip frenulum).

Gum recession can only be stopped and gum volume restored through surgical methods. Most often, simple flap surgeries are performed – transplantation of healthy tissues to cover the tooth root and interdental space. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, but sedation or medicated sleep can be used if desired by the patient or when a large amount of work is planned.

Conservative therapy, rinses, and ointments do not provide the same effect. They are prescribed only to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

At Oxford Medical, gum recession treatment is performed by experienced periodontists and oral surgeons. Thanks to the clinics’ advanced equipment, they use the most modern techniques that allow quick and minimally invasive correction of the problem.

Oxford Medical is a private dental clinic for adults and children. Four clinics located in central districts of Kyiv are equipped with premium-class technology. Combined with a team of experienced specialists, this allows the use of modern diagnostic and treatment methods for diseases of the teeth and gums.

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