Gum Recession IN LAS VEGAS & HENDERSON, NV
ANTHEM PERIO, LAS VEGAS' CHOICE FOR ADVANCED PERIODONTICS
Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that develops when bacteria damage the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Because symptoms often appear gradually, many patients don’t realize they have gum disease until it is found during a routine dental cleaning or periodontal maintenance exam. Early signs may include bleeding while flossing, swollen or bright red gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession.
Fortunately, gum recession can typically be halted and reversed, especially if caught early enough. One of the most effective methods for doing so is the scaling and root planing procedure, which removes tartar and decay that have formed above and below your gum line, followed by smoothing the root of your teeth, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow. Additional procedures (which are detailed below) include gum grafting, Pinhole Surgical Technique, and lip repositioning.
Causes of Gum Recession
While gum recession is most commonly the result of untreated gum disease, other common factors that can cause gums to recede include the following:
- Incorrect or Insufficient Oral Hygiene: To prevent gum recession, make sure you are practicing consistent good oral self-care habits and continue scheduling regular visits to your periodontist every six months.
- Aggressive Brushing Habits: One of the most common causes of gum recession (second only to gum disease) is due to patients brushing their teeth too aggressively.
- Genetic Predisposition: If gum recession is common in your family, it may be necessary to modify your self-care routine and/or schedule periodontal maintenance on a more frequent basis.
- Chewing Tobacco: Although little can be done to prevent gum recession for patients who are genetically predisposed, there are lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce your risk of gum recession, one of the most important being avoiding or stopping the use of chewing tobacco, which can cause significant aggravation to the lining of your mouth, causing your gums to recede.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
An initial consultation and general examination will be necessary to determine if gum recession is present and what treatment option is necessary. During this visit, we will review your health history, discuss your oral health concerns and goals, and examine your teeth, gums, and cheeks to determine your overall health and identify any underlying issues. Following this examination, we will explain available treatment options and answer any questions you have.
In certain cases, gum recession is the result of patients who brush their teeth too aggressively. If this is the underlying cause of your gum recession, we will provide instruction on proper brushing methods and encourage you to begin brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
If it is determined that in-office treatment is needed to correct gum recession, your follow-up appointment will typically begin with administration of a local anesthetic and/or sedation, after which a range of procedures may be performed to restore your gums back to their natural, healthy state, such as Pinhole Surgical Technique, gum grafting, and/or scaling and root planing. Which treatment is right for you will depend on the severity of your case and your unique oral health needs.
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Aftercare Following Treatment for Gum Recession
Aftercare instructions following treatment for gum recession will largely depend on the type of procedure that is performed. For more intensive procedures, post-operative instructions will be provided to ensure that you minimize your risk of developing complications and enjoy a fast recovery time. Following more intensive procedures, it is common to experience sensitivity and swelling, but this can typically be managed using ice packs and over-the-counter pain-relieving medication. If you are prescribed pain-relieving medication and/or antibiotics, it is essential to follow the recommended dose until the prescription runs out.
Once you have fully recovered, you can return to your normal diet and self-care practices; however, taking consistent good care of your oral health will reduce the likelihood of needing similar treatments in the future, especially if this procedure was performed because of improper or insufficient self-care. Make it a habit to brush your teeth twice daily (at a minimum) for at least two minutes each time. Also, remember to brush your tongue and cheeks, as well as behind the lower and upper front teeth.
Flossing at least once a day and being mindful of the type of foods and beverages you consume are also important steps to maintaining good oral health and preserving the integrity of your implants. Finally, continuing to schedule regular checkups every six months (or more if necessary) is the most important step you can take to maintain your oral health and identify and correct issues before they develop into something more significant. By following these best practices, you will maximize your recovery process and continue to enjoy good oral health!
Cost of Treating Gum Recession
The cost of treating gum recession is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of your case, the type of treatment or treatments performed, whether dental sedation is used, and your dental insurance plan. At Anthem Periodontics and Dental Implants, we are committed to helping you maximize your insurance reimbursement so you can receive optimal care, which is why we will file your claim and handle your paperwork. Please be aware, though, that any remaining balance following coverage is your responsibility to cover. Though not required, we do offer a discount for patients who pay their bill in full (cash, check, or credit) prior to treatment.
Before scheduling your appointment, we will provide an estimated total cost and answer any questions you have concerning payment plan options, such as CareCredit, which offers interest-free payment plans for six-to-twelve-month periods and/or a payment arrangement made in advance with our office.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Anthem Periodontics and Dental Implants, protecting your oral health is our top priority. Our team is committed to providing you with comprehensive periodontal care and dental implant services designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile. To learn more about gum recession or schedule an appointment, contact our office at (702) 270-4600. We look forward to providing you with personalized care tailored to meet your needs.