Gum Recession in Madison

Gum recession occurs when your gum tissue begins to pull away from your teeth. As the gums recede, they expose the tooth roots underneath. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. It also increases your risk of tooth decay (cavities). Along with being an oral health issue, gum recession is a cosmetic concern that causes your teeth to appear longer than they are.

The most common cause of gum recession is gum disease. This infection of the gums occurs when plaque, a sticky form of bacteria, reaches beneath the gum line. Once plaque becomes trapped under the gum line, it creates pockets that release toxins. These toxins eat away at your tooth-supporting gum tissue and bone.

As the pockets of plaque grow, your gums continue to separate from your teeth. They start to pull back, leaving your tooth roots exposed to cavities and damage. Other common risk factors for gum recession include:

• Brushing too aggressively
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Tongue and lip piercings
• Misaligned teeth
• Tobacco use
• Injury to the gums
• Poor oral hygiene

Understanding your risk for gum recession is essential to protect your dental health. Some individuals have genetically thin gum tissue, which increases their risk for gum recession (even with good oral hygiene habits). Dr. Jang can develop a periodontal plan to protect your gums if you’re at risk of recession.

If you have gum recession, you may experience:

• Teeth that appear longer than before
• Swollen gums
• Red, tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Shifting teeth
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss

You may also notice gaps forming between your teeth and gums if the tissue begins to recede.

The two most common treatments for gum recession include:

Flap surgery

Flap surgery is a minimally invasive treatment in which Dr. Jang carefully lifts your gum tissue and cleans out pockets of plaque. This treatment gives your gums a smooth surface to reattach and seal out new bacteria.

Gum grafting

A gum graft involves taking tissue from one area of your mouth, a human cadaver, or an animal cadaver, and placing it over your gums to promote healthy growth.