Gingival recession represents the gradual withdrawal of gum tissue from the tooth surface, leading to root exposure. In optimal oral health conditions, tooth roots remain completely concealed beneath healthy gum tissue and supporting bone structure. Visible root surfaces signal compromised foundational support around affected teeth. This condition often causes thermal sensitivity, aesthetic concerns related to an elongated tooth appearance, and an increased risk of infection or eventual tooth loss. Prompt identification and treatment intervention prevent these complications from advancing.
The diagnostic illustration highlights the distinct contrast between standard gum architecture and areas affected by recession. Normal gum tissue exhibits robust pink coloration and dense consistency and maintains intimate contact with tooth surfaces, delivering comprehensive protection. Recession zones display thinned, retreated gum tissue that has separated from teeth, creating vulnerable root exposure. This exposure heightens the risks of sensitivity, bacterial penetration potential, and overall dental stability 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.
Gingival recession represents underlying oral health challenges requiring professional management to restore comfort, function, and appearance. Treatment methodologies are individualized according to the severity of the recession and the patient’s priorities.
Treatment initiation involves scheduling a detailed examination to evaluate gingival health conditions and establish therapeutic objectives. Our primary treatment objectives include strengthening periodontal tissue support around affected teeth and achieving optimal root coverage to enhance both health outcomes and smile aesthetics.
Surgical gum grafting remains the most predictable and biologically sound approach for managing gum recession. This procedure involves harvesting healthy periodontal tissue from an appropriate donor site and strategically placing it over recession defects to restore proper root protection. Our Catoosa facility specializes in delivering state-of-the-art, patient-centered treatment solutions that rebuild oral health and restore smile confidence through evidence-based surgical protocols.
Gingival recession primarily develops through two mechanisms: pathogenic bacterial accumulation and direct tissue trauma. Recognizing these causative factors enables the development of targeted prevention approaches.
Dental biofilm consists of a tenacious bacterial matrix combined with dietary remnants that continuously form on tooth surfaces. Inadequate removal through insufficient oral hygiene practices and missed professional maintenance appointments allows biofilm maturation into periodontal disease. This inflammatory condition destroys tooth-supporting structures and represents a primary cause of tooth loss worldwide.
Secondary recession causation involves physical trauma to gingival tissues. Multiple trauma sources include overzealous oral hygiene practices, forceful flossing techniques, dietary injuries from rigid foods, parafunctional habits like bruxism, orthodontic hardware irritation, or pathologic tooth migration patterns.
Tissue preservation requires implementing gentle oral care approaches, including the use of soft-bristled brushes and non-abrasive dentifrice products, especially for individuals prone to recession. Managing occlusal discrepancies through bite therapy or protective appliances provides additional benefits. Anatomical considerations, such as frenum attachments, may contribute to recession development and warrant a professional assessment. Successful prevention targets individual risk factors to halt the progression of 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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