Gum tissue recession involves the gradual retreat of the gingival margins from their normal position along the tooth surface, leading to concerns about root exposure. In healthy oral conditions, tooth roots maintain complete concealment beneath adequate gum tissue coverage and supportive bone architecture. Visible root surfaces indicate compromise of the tooth’s foundational support system. This condition typically manifests as sensitivity reactions to hot and cold stimuli, aesthetic issues with teeth appearing disproportionately long, and increased susceptibility to bacterial complications or tooth loss. Timely diagnosis and treatment implementation prevent the progression of these complications.
The educational diagram clearly illustrates the marked difference between optimal gum health and regions affected by recession. Optimal gingival tissue exhibits healthy pink pigmentation, a resilient consistency and maintains close adaptation to tooth contours, providing comprehensive protective coverage. Recession-impacted areas reveal reduced tissue thickness that has retracted from regular tooth contact, creating spaces that expose vulnerable root surfaces. This exposure amplifies sensitivity responses, bacterial infiltration risks, and overall dental structural concerns.
The diagram illustrates a clear demarcation between healthy gums and gums experiencing recession. In the healthy gum section, the tissue appears pink, firm, and tightly surrounds the teeth, providing optimal support and protection. Conversely, in the recession area, the gums display signs of shrinkage, appearing visibly thinner and receded from the tooth surface. This recession exposes the tooth roots, potentially leading to sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and compromised dental health.
Gum tissue recession indicates underlying periodontal health challenges that require professional therapeutic intervention to restore patient comfort, oral function, and smile aesthetics. Treatment protocols are customized according to the severity of the recession and the individual patient’s objectives.
Treatment begins with an extensive periodontal evaluation to assess current gum health conditions and define therapeutic targets. Our core treatment principles include reinforcing periodontal tissue integrity around affected teeth and achieving optimal root coverage to maximize both clinical success and cosmetic enhancement.
Periodontal grafting surgery remains the most dependable and biologically appropriate method for addressing gum recession challenges. This procedure entails harvesting viable tissue from a healthy intraoral donor area and skillfully positioning it over recession areas to restore adequate root protection. Our Bixby location emphasizes delivering innovative, comfortable treatment experiences that rebuild periodontal health and restore patient confidence through proven surgical excellence.
Gum tissue recession commonly develops through two principal pathways: bacterial plaque colonization and direct mechanical trauma. Recognition of these contributing elements supports effective planning for prevention.
Dental plaque represents a complex bacterial community integrated with dietary debris that continuously develops on tooth surfaces during normal daily activities. Insufficient elimination through inadequate home care routines and infrequent professional cleanings allows bacterial maturation to progress into active periodontal disease. This inflammatory process systematically destroys tooth-supporting structures and ranks among the most significant causes of adult tooth loss.
Secondary recession influences include direct physical injury to gum tissues. Multiple traumatic sources encompass aggressive brushing methods, improper interdental cleaning techniques, food-related injuries from complex substances, excessive bite pressures, teeth grinding or clenching activities, orthodontic device irritation, or pathological tooth movement behaviors.
Tissue protection requires adopting gentle oral care approaches that utilize soft-bristled cleaning tools and mild abrasive toothpaste formulations, especially for patients susceptible to recession. Addressing occlusal irregularities through bite correction or protective night guard therapy provides additional protective benefits. Anatomical variables such as frenum positioning may contribute to recession development and necessitate professional evaluation. Successful prevention strategies target individual contributing factors to arrest ongoing tissue loss.
Phone: 918-288-0818
9607 E 95th Ct. S Tulsa, OK 74133
Areas We Serve:
Bixby, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Jenks, Owasso, Tulsa
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