After gum tissue recedes, it doesn't grow back. This means a little damage can cause significant problems such as sensitivity, dental pain, and even advanced decay. However, you don’t have to continue to live with these issues. Before visiting the dentist to receive treatment, learn more about what causes this common condition and what to expect from your appointment.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can be caused by several factors, including crooked teeth, smoking, hormone levels, and even aggressive brushing. Untreated dental decay is also a common cause, as bacteria colonize under the gum line, leading to inflammation that makes the gums pull upward.

How Is It Treated?

Dentists can help with all stages of gum recession. If your situation is mild, simple lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking or brushing more regularly may help prevent additional tissue loss and slowly reverse the condition.

However, if you have advanced gum recession, you may require surgery to overcome the issue. Tissue grafting involves taking a donor graft from another part of your mouth and sewing it in to cover the exposed portions of your dental roots.

There's also a newer treatment available called pinhole surgery, where a small incision is made in the gum tissue, and the gums are pushed downward to cover your teeth. After this, small strips of collagen are inserted to help the gums heal and stay in place.

If your mouth has been impacted by gum recession, turn to the dentists at Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC. With a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction, this trusted team of professionals can help with everything from checkups and prevention to dental implant placement and teeth whitening. To learn more about how they can help you, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, give their office a call at (704) 663-3300.