Treatment of gingival recession and tooth neck (cervical) sensitivity

Treatment of gingival recession and tooth neck (cervical) sensitivity

The roots of our teeth are covered by our gums. Since it’s an important line of defence, it’s vital to take care of its health. Our gums encircle the tooth and stabilise it at the same time. Should the gums recede, it may result in painful dentin hypersensitivity, gum bleeding or gingivitis (in more serious cases).

Many patients who suffer from periodontal disease fear that they’ll lose their teeth. Gingival recession is considered as such disease as well. Initially, its effect is barely perceptible but may cause serious problems later on. In most cases, this problem derives from excessive / strong way of brushing, gum structure which is thinner than the average or teeth leaning out from the ideal arc (please check out the related video below). 

The photo above demonstrates when the gum runs up from the tooth root - that way, the tooth seems to be too long and the root surface becomes sensitive to numerous external stimuli, such as cold, hot, sweet or sour food. Gingival recession may lead to gum bleeding, gingivitis, cervical pain, bone atrophy or the displacement of the tooth. Not to mention the negative aesthetic problems which derives from the fact that the natural arch of gums becomes increasingly different from the natural one by exposing the tooth root.

It’s really important to seek medical assistance and treat our problem in time because if we ignore it it’ll lead to tooth loss and even significant damages in the jawbone.

What could be the reason of gingival recession?

• If teeth were moved too fast at an early age, as a result of an excessive orthodontic treatment. In order to avoid this, it’s worth choosing the more gentle self-ligating type of braces.
  
• A prolonged, excessive and aggressive way of brushing could also lead to gingival recession. However there’s a solution for that as well: having dental care consultancy from a qualified dental hygienist where the patient has the possibility to learn the adequate brushing technique. It’s also worth taking your children with you, so that they can acquire the method early and avoid the above mentioned potential consequences.
  
• another reason is when the alignment of the teeth / dental arch is inadequate.
  

How can we treat gingival recession?

The problem can be solved by a surgical intervention. Gingival recession is successfully treatable via professional gum surgery, the exposed root surface can be covered again with gums. (It’s indispensable to refrain from smoking for a successful recovery). The purpose of the treatment is to prevent further gum degradation and its negative consequences.

Curettage and deep cleaning could also be necessary to eliminate dental pockets and bacteria that are responsible for the development of the periodontal disease.

The supplementation of receding gums (gum graft surgery) can’t be done without surgical corrections. The condition of the surrounding bones has a strong influence on the final outcome of the surgery:

• Should the bone structure be intact or slightly damaged under the gums, the exposed root surfaces can be covered in full.
  
• If the degradation of the bone is more serious, root surfaces could only be covered partially. However, the aesthetic improvement is still significant.
  

Due to the thickening of the gums, the developed state stabilises and with adequate oral hygiene, it’s sustainable for a long term.

Gum surgery by transplanting own tissues or collagen membranes

Thanks to today’s modern dentistry, there’s a solution for that.

Our periodontist performs gum graft surgeries. The exposed tooth surfaces can be covered with the patient’s own gum tissue. In such cases, the necessary amount is taken from the areas of the oral cavity where gum tissue is thicker - e.g. from the palate or the area behind the wisdom teeth. Other types of synthetic and antiallergic substances are also suitable to perform the surgery.

What exactly are these ‘other types’ of substances?

Instead of the patient’s own tissue, synthetic and animal origin resorbable collagen membranes are also available. The membranes are implanted under the gums - after a few months, the membrane is reconstructed and the tissue on the surgical site will be thicker from the original.

Why are these resorbable collagen membranes advantageous?

Their major advantage is the fact that the operation time can be reduced and since there’s no need to remove the patient’s own tissue, the subsequently occurring complaints may be reduced.

These operations are done under local anaesthesia, the intervention is completely painless.

Incase you have such problems, please don’t hesitate to contact us and consult our periodontist regarding personalised therapeutic options.

Ask for the assistance of our professionals! Book a consultation now!

Our doctors who have this branch of science:

Dr. Krisztián Kövér Parodontology, periodontal treatment

Dr. Lilla G. KOVACS Periodontist