Have you noticed your teeth looking a bit longer lately? Or feeling tooth sensitivity when you drink ice-cold liquids? Unfortunately, you might be dealing with gum recession, a common dental issue where your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth and exposes your tooth root. The good news is that you don’t have to live with receding gums, as several effective treatments can address this problem and restore your beautiful smile.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, offers advanced solutions for treating gum recession. With her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential held by only 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Sharbash provides exceptional care using the latest techniques to help patients maintain healthy gums and radiant smiles.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession doesn’t happen overnight and can sneak up on you if you’re not paying close attention to your dental health. It can develop gradually due to several factors, including:
- Brushing too hard with a firm toothbrush
- Gum disease
- Genetics
- Hormone changes
- Tobacco use
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Crooked teeth or uneven teeth
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults aged 30 years and older show signs of gum disease, with a significant portion experiencing some level of gum recession.
How Is Gum Recession Diagnosed?
While the signs of gum recession can be difficult to spot, catching it early is key to preventing further damage, making routine dental checkups are essential. During your regular exam, Dr. Sharbash will check the following:
- Measure the little spaces between your teeth and gums
- Assess your gums for any redness, swelling, or bleeding
- Look for signs of tooth wear or exposure
- Examine your bite for signs of grinding
- Chat with you about your brushing habits and suggest improvements
If you’ve noticed tooth sensitivity, longer-looking teeth, or feel a notch near your gum line, these might be early warning signs. Please contact us at Newport Beach Dental Center for an appointment to catch any problems before they become more serious.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Mild Gum Recession
If your gum recession is still in the early stages, you might benefit from a non-surgical approach that includes scaling and root planing, desensitization, bite adjustment, and mouthguards.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Scaling and root planing is a super-thorough cleaning that gets above and below your gum line. It is performed in stages to remove built-up plaque, smooth the root surfaces of your teeth, and reduce harmful infection-causing bacteria. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable with local anesthesia during the procedure. After treatment, many patients notice their gums feel tighter and healthier!
Desensitizing Treatments
If exposed tooth roots are making your teeth sensitive, we can apply special desensitizing products in our office and sometimes apply bonding materials to cover your exposed roots. We also recommend prescription-strength toothpaste to use at home. This approach is especially beneficial as it can bring quick relief while addressing the underlying cause of your gum recession.
Bite Adjustment and Night Guards
If your gum recession stems from teeth grinding or an uneven bite, Dr. Sharbash can gently reshape your tooth surfaces to balance your bite. Our team can also create a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. This prevents further damage and gives your gums a chance to heal.
Surgical Options for Advanced Gum Recession
When gum recession is more severe, we might recommend gum grafting, pinhole surgery, or guided tissue regeneration to help rebuild your gum tissue.
Gum Grafting
This common treatment adds tissue to areas where your gums have receded. We can take tissue from the roof of your mouth or use donor tissue to place over the exposed roots of your teeth. This provides extra protection and improves the appearance of your smile. Most patients return to normal activities within a week or two, with complete healing in a few months.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique
The pinhole surgical technique is a newer, minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. It is especially effective as it requires no cutting or stitching, uses tiny holes to reposition your gum tissue gently, and results in less discomfort and faster recovery.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is an excellent solution if you’ve lost bone and gum tissue. During this procedure, special materials are placed over your gums to encourage your body to rebuild bone. This provides better support for both your teeth and gums. Guided tissue regeneration is often used with other gum recession treatments to create a comprehensive treatment plan and the best chance of successful healing.
Get Professional Treatment for Your Gum Recession at Newport Beach Dental Center
Gum recession isn’t something you should ignore, but it’s treatable! At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash combines her extensive training with a friendly, factual approach to dental care. Her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry means she’s completed over 500 hours of continuing education and passed rigorous testing equal to board certification exams, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Ready to address your receding gums? We’d love to help! Contact Newport Beach Dental Center today at (949) 760-9212 or through our contact form to schedule a visit. Let’s work together to restore your healthy gums and confident smile!
