What Affects Gum Recession?

When gums start to recede from the gum line, exposing the root of your tooth, it can make teeth more sensitive and susceptible to more damage. Gum recession in Lafayette, LA can occur for several reasons including traumatic brushing, genetically weak tissue and may also indicate the presence of gum disease (bone loss). People with gum disease may eventually lose their teeth if they don't seek proper treatment or properly address their oral health issues promptly. Similarly, gum recession means a significant portion of tooth support, from the bone AND from the gums, has been lost. Gum recession can also lead to loss of a teeth/teeth even in the absence of gum disease. Whether your recession is the loss of just the gums and their support for the teeth or is caused by deeper infections that cause loss of the tooth-supporting bone, proper treatment(s) can save your teeth and your smile.

Teeth may start to appear longer than usual, and a notch or dent may start to form around the gum line.. If you are noticing these signs and symptoms of gum recession in Lafayette, LA, schedule a consultation with Dr. James Finley as soon as possible so that he can recommend an appropriate plan of action and create a customized treatment plan just for you.

Gum recession indicates a loss of support and protection of the teeth and the roots of the teeth. Each cause of this problem can have different solutions, or combinations of solutions. Dr. Finley can help guide you as to what procedures can offer the best outcome for saving your teeth and rebuilding this lost support. types of procedures that may be recommended include:

• Soft Tissue Graft - This procedure involves transplanting tissue to the site of recession to repair the lost gum structure. There are many techniques that can be chosen based on the specific needs of your mouth. Tissue grafts can be taken from your mouth(autogenous), from cadaver donor tissues(allograft), non-human, animal-derived materials (xenografts), or materials from synthetic formulations can be used. These are highly successful procedures when realizable goals and expectations are established.
• The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™) - Dr. James Finley, is the first certified doctor in Louisiana for the new, minimally invasive procedure for treating gum recession in Lafayette, LA. He uses the patented and special dental instruments to make a small pinhole opening in the affected gum tissue that allows gentle movement and grafting of the affected gum line without sutures or cutting. This minimally invasive procedure is highly predictable and widely preferred by patients.
• Regeneration -Gum tissue and / or bone more than likely need to be restored if they have been affected or lost by periodontal disease or gum recession in Lafayette, LA. Thus, Dr. Finley can regrow tissue and bone by using regenerative materials. Advanced materials such as tissue grafts, bone grafts, collagen or Teflon membranes, stem cell additives, and your own platelet concentrates can help regenerate the tissue and natural bone in the damaged area.

What will help to prevent gum recession in Lafayette, LA? For one, take good care of your mouth and stick to good oral hygiene regimen. Some other preventive measures include:

• See your dentist regularly
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Quit smoking or do not use tobacco products
• Use the right toothbrush such as soft-bristled or electric toothbrush
• Correct a misaligned bite or teeth grinding problems
• Brush your teeth properly, using the proper technique - not too aggressively
• Monitor changes occurring in your mouth and watch for recession
• Correct genetically weak gums and prevent or avoid worsening of early recession