If your teeth seem bigger than before, it’s not your imagination. Your teeth haven’t grown, but your gums might be pulling back. This is a sign of gum disease. However, can gums grow back after receding? The answer is a straight no. Let’s discuss why:
Causes of Gum Recession
The soft tissue around your teeth is meant to fit tightly and protect the more delicate parts, like the roots. When your gums start to recede, it can lead to bigger problems. This includes infections and sensitivity. The most common reasons for gum recession are:
- Facial injuries
- Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
- Brushing or flossing too hard
- Aging
- Misaligned teeth or bite
- Tobacco use
- Gum disease
Treatments for Receding Gums
If you suspect you have gum recession, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to get professional advice on how to stop it. There are several treatments for receding gums, including:
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Scaling and Root Planning
If your gums are receding, your dentist might recommend a procedure called scaling and root planning. This involves two steps. First, the dentist removes all plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Then, they smooth out the roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach to them. This procedure might require local anesthetic, and it could take multiple visits to complete.
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Gum Surgery
In more severe cases of gum recession, your dentist might recommend gum surgery. There are different types, such as:
Open Flap Scaling and Planning: If non-surgical treatments haven’t worked, your dentist may fold back the gum tissue to get better access for cleaning and smoothing the roots. Then, the gum is reattached tightly to help keep it clean and healthy.
Regeneration: This surgery helps regenerate damaged bone and gum tissue. The dentist cleans the area and then applies a regenerative material, like a membrane, tissue-stimulating protein, or graft tissue, to encourage natural healing. The gum is then reattached over the tooth root.
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Gum Grafts
If you have lost gum tissue, your dentist may suggest a gum graft. This involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth, like the roof of your mouth or surrounding gums, and stitching it to the affected area to cover the exposed tooth root.
Can Gums Grow Back After Gingivitis?
Gingivitis-affected gums can heal to some degree. However, once gums recede, they don’t grow back naturally. You can reverse gingivitis with good oral care and dental treatment. However, if it advances to periodontitis, it can cause more severe gum recession and bone loss. In cases of serious gum recession, surgery like gum grafting can restore the gum line. This involves using tissue from another part of the mouth to cover the receded areas since gums can’t regrow after receding.
Wrapping Up
Receding gums is a common issue. That’s why many people ask, “Can gums grow back?” unfortunately, they can’t. However, you can team up with your dentist or a periodontist to make them strong.
Visit our skilled dentists at Lake Elsinore Dentistry. Our dentists provide a complete treatment for periodontal disease to maximize your oral health. Call us at (951) 579-1010 for an appointment.