Gums are the soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. With age, or due to various reasons, they may begin to recede. As a result, the tooth neck or even part of the root becomes exposed. This is called gum recession.
What causes this condition?
Gum recession may be caused by various factors:
- mechanical irritation, such as improper brushing with a toothbrush that is too hard;
- malocclusion;
- advanced periodontal diseases;
- inflammation caused by plaque due to poor hygiene;
- teeth grinding, or bruxism;
- smoking and other harmful habits.
Often, this condition is caused by several factors, and each case is highly individual.
How to recognize gum recession?
The earlier the first symptoms are noticed, the earlier treatment for gum recession can begin. Therefore, if you notice suspicious changes, it is recommended not to delay and visit a dental clinic.
Developing or already existing recession may be indicated by:
- tooth sensitivity in the neck area;
- gum swelling and colour changes;
- exposed root surface;
- tooth pain;
- receding gum line;
- a gap appearing between the teeth and gums.
Treatment started in time can help achieve very good results. It is an effective way to prevent oral problems such as carious damage to the tooth root, nerve inflammation, poor aesthetics, and others.
Is it possible to stop gum recession?
The most suitable treatment for gum recession is prescribed after assessing the individual situation. Treatment often involves tissue grafting. This may include:
Ultrasonic cleaning and root planing. As the name suggests, this procedure consists of two stages:
- Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
- Root planing, which is performed so that the gums can attach more easily to the teeth.
Surgical procedure. This is recommended when the disease is advanced. There are several types of such procedures:
Raising a gingival-periosteal flap, during which hard-to-reach plaque is removed with ultrasound and the root surface is smoothed.
Regeneration — first, plaque accumulated above and below the gums is removed. Then a regenerative material is applied, which stimulates the tissue and promotes its regeneration.
Gum grafting. During the procedure, tissue is taken from the surrounding gums or palate and sutured so that the exposed root surface is covered.
Since gum recession is often caused by several factors, treatment often needs to be combined as well. If the patient has periodontal diseases, the inflammation must first be treated and the condition of periodontal tissues stabilized. If one of the causative factors is malocclusion, recession coverage is performed before or after orthodontic treatment.
Treatment for gum recession selected by a specialist is an effective and reliable way to solve the problem.
Can this condition be prevented?
To prevent gum recession or reduce the likelihood of its development as much as possible, proper oral hygiene should be ensured first. This includes daily brushing with a soft toothbrush and the use of additional tools such as dental floss and mouthwash. Regular professional oral hygiene is also recommended.
Do you want to take care of your oral health and avoid problems caused by gum recession? The specialists at “Ozo” Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic can help you. Modern and painless treatment methods — for an impeccable smile.
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontic Treatment)
Microscope-assisted root canal treatment is a modern and effective procedure used to treat inflammation of the tooth’s soft tissue (pulp), known as pulpitis. This condition often presents with severe pain that may not be relieved even by medication. However, in cases of chronic inflammation, pain may not be present at all. In any case, it is important not to delay and to address the issue as soon as possible. A safe and effective solution is root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment. The term endodontics originates from Greek and refers to the study of the “inside” of the tooth. Contact the dentists at “Ozo” clinic for professional care.
When is root canal treatment necessary?
According to the specialists at “Ozo” clinic, infection is the main and most common reason for endodontic treatment. It usually develops as a result of dental caries (tooth decay): bacteria from decayed tissues reach the pulp (a network of blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels located beneath the enamel and dentin), causing acute inflammation – pulpitis.
This often occurs due to poor oral hygiene habits or leakage of old fillings.
Early signs of pulp infection or inflammation include:
- prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold;
- discoloration of the tooth;
- swelling of the gums;
- tenderness in the affected area.
Root canal treatment may also be required after dental trauma, such as cracked or fractured teeth. Trauma can be misleading, as it may not be immediately visible, and chronic inflammation may only become noticeable over time through discoloration or discomfort.
The main goal of endodontic treatment is to eliminate microorganisms from the root canal system and protect the tooth and surrounding tissues from infection. In some cases, retreatment of root canals may also be necessary.
What symptoms can indicate root canal damage?
Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of pulp damage. You may experience:
- increased sensitivity to cold;
- diffuse, hard-to-localize tooth pain;
- dull or sharp, radiating pain;
- pain when chewing.
Modern root canal treatment uses advanced technologies, ensuring that a treated or retreated tooth can function properly for the rest of a patient’s life. Regular check-ups are recommended for endodontically treated teeth.
If you experience discomfort or pain in your mouth, do not delay seeking professional dental care. At “Ozo” clinic, your teeth will be thoroughly examined using advanced diagnostic technologies to identify and treat the problem efficiently.
