WHAT CAUSES GUM RECESSION?

• Periodontal disease – if you have an untreated gum infection, it can begin to break down the gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place
• Vigorous tooth brushing – Vigorous tooth brushing with a rigid, or hard-bristled, toothbrush over time will wear the gum tissue away from the teeth and begin to expose the roots
• Inadequate dental care – if you have not received regular dental care over a period of time or do not brush or floss daily, you have an increased risk of receding gums. Routine dental visits every six months as well as excellent oral hygiene care at home are essential to help prevent gum disease and recession
• Tobacco products – smoking or chewing tobacco increases the prevalence of sticky plaque in your mouth, which turns into tartar. The hardened plaque build-up harbors bacteria and can cause the gums to recede
• Grinding or clenching teeth while sleeping – grinding or clenching teeth during sleep places excess force on teeth, which can cause receding gums
• Tooth injury or trauma – if you have sustained an injury to the mouth that involves a tooth or teeth, it can cause the gums to recede. Also, ill-fitting dentures can wear away gum tissue over time. It is important to seek treatment after an injury to the teeth so that you can have the best possible outcome during the healing process
• Genetics – When we take your dental health history, we always want to know if you have family members with periodontal problems. Early detection of this problem can lead to better monitoring and management of the disease progression.
• Orthodontic Therapy – During orthodontic treatment, excess forces are being placed on the teeth and therefore the connective tissues of the gums and bone as the teeth begin to move during treatment. Good oral hygiene habits are during orthodontic therapy are extremely important and can help minimize bacteria and plaque that collects around the brackets and wires.
• Thin Gums – Having thin gum tissue is usually an inherited trait and thin gums are more susceptible to recession than thick gum tissue. Aggressive tooth brushing can also wear away at gum tissue over time.

WHAT IS SOFT TISSUE GRAFTING?

 Treating gum recession in Fredericksburg

Modern periodontics boasts new techniques and technologies in the treatment of gum recession. At Synergy Periodontics and Implants, we understand every case is unique. We aim to offer the best treatment options for the specific needs of the patient that will work with the most predictability.

Today we have developed great techniques and technologies to treat gum recession. Unlike in the past, we don’t always have to use the patient’s own tissue to cover gum recession. Now there are additional options such as using special collagen matrix . These products are predictable and perfectly safe! They do not contain any living cells and are sterile. In periodontics, these products have proven to be a great alternative to using the patient’s own tissue! Every case is different and we aim to perform the tissue coverage with the best option that will predictably work!

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH SOFT TISSUE GRAFTING

At Synergy Periodontics & Implants, our top priority is providing superior patient care while ensuring patients are as comfortable as possible during treatments and procedures. We will evaluate your overall oral health while focusing on the health of your gums as well as the soft and hard structures that support your teeth. If it is determined that your gum recession can be successfully treated with soft tissue grafting, we will thoroughly explain the details of the procedure and offer after-care or postoperative care instructions to ensure that your recovery is smooth and the procedure is successful.

There are many options when treating gum recession with soft tissue grafting techniques. We recognize that every case is different and we aim to perform the procedure using the best treatment option for the individual patient with the most predictable outcome!

You will receive local anesthetic for soft tissue grafting treatment and if needed, we offer a variety of sedation options to help maximize patient comfort during procedures. You will be able to go home after your treatment and recover at home following the instructions provided.

We look forward to working with you to improve your oral health and help you maintain the aesthetics and function of your teeth and smile.