Periodontology

Gum recession is defined as lowering of the gum line while exposing the necks and roots of the teeth. A defect at the gum line may also be accompanied by a loss of bone tissue and ligamentous apparatus of the tooth. This process can lead to tooth sensitivity or dental decay, but it also causes a visible aesthetic defect.

Would you like to know more about periodontics? Contact our clinic in Poznan!
Call us to book an appointment

There can be several reasons for gum recession. One of them is undoubtedly related to the shape and structure of the gums. In addition, the incorrect position of the teeth in the bone often leads to the so-called bone dehiscence, and consequently to gum recession. It is also important to mention mechanical factors, which we often have a direct influence on. For example, improper tooth brushing can lead to lowering of the gum line. In most cases, the recession affects a single tooth. However, it can also happen that gum recession occurs next to each other in greater numbers, which consequently leads to hypersensitivity of the teeth. Treatment is at this point absolutely necessary.

The first step of the treatment is to thoroughly clean the teeth from any dental plaque and tartar. Patients should also improve their oral hygiene – brushing their teeth after every meal and flossing at least once a day. In case of malocclusion, orthodontic treatment may be needed.

The next step is surgical treatment. There are several options, including:

• transplantation of tissue taken from another part of the mouth, e.g. from the palate,
• displacement of the mucous membrane flap from the recession area,
• method of guided regeneration, for example using resorbable- polymer-based, or non-resorbable membranes.

The use of any of these methods is solely at the discretion of the doctor, who, based on medical history and examinations, will determine which one is optimal for the patient. The complete recovery of a recession depends on its severity. If we are dealing with the initial phase, there is a chance to stop it effectively. Unfortunately, in the most advanced stages, when the recession already covers the gum and bone, the best and only solution may be tooth extraction.

The best way to protect your gums from recession is to take good care of your oral hygiene. Frequent toothbrush changes, proper teeth cleaning, orthodontic treatment and regular visits to the dentist will definitely slow down the development and progression of gum recession. Sometimes it is necessary to treat gingivitis in a specialist way.

For more information, call our clinic or book an appointment

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease, also called periodontal disease. It causes redness, swelling and bleeding of your gingiva – the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. This disease often occurs in pregnant women. It’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Gingivitis does not cause bone loss. But if left untreated, it can lead to a much more serious gum disease, called periodontitis, and tooth loss.

There are many causes of gingivitis, as with other oral diseases. The first and basic is inadequate oral hygiene or difficulties in proper cleaning, which can be caused, for example, by orthodontic treatment. Gingivitis can also occur as a result of habitual mouth breathing and reduced saliva production. Other factors contributing to the development of this disease include stress, teeth grinding, ill-fitting dentures, mechanical damage to teeth, allergies, hormonal disorders, diabetes, contraceptives, deficiency of vitamins B and C, liver failure, and cancer.

Healthy gums are firm and pink, and they fit tightly around the teeth. The first and most important symptom of gingivitis is bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Other symptoms include: red and tender gums, swollen or puffy gums and bad breath.

Check-ups at the dentist are essential, regardless of whether we are struggling with the disease or not. In the case of inflammation, regular hygiene treatments like scaling or sanding are necessary. This should be done at least twice a year, to eliminate dental deposits and tartar. Orthodontic treatment may also be necessary. If the problem is hypertrophic gingivitis, you may need surgical treatment that will correct the shape of the “gingival garland line”. In this case, antibiotic therapy may also be needed.

To avoid inflammation, proper prevention and good oral hygiene are absolutely crucial. Thorough brushing, flossing, regular toothbrush replacement, and even herbal rinses with sage or chamomile can have a huge impact on your oral health.

Periodontitis is one of the periodontal diseases. It is a serious infection of the gums. It is caused by bacteria that have been allowed to accumulate on the teeth and gums, leading to teeth and bones being damaged. The initial onset of periodontitis is imperceptible. Most often, its first symptoms can be noticed through bleeding gums and loosening of teeth. The consequence of untreated periodontitis are loss of teeth and bone damage. However, if treated early and properly and maintaining good oral hygiene, the damage can be stopped.

Periodontitis is most common in people over 40 years of age, and men dominate among those affected by this disease. It includes not only the gingivitis itself, but also the internal structures that are responsible for keeping the tooth in the socket. The main causes of periodontitis include improper brushing and poor oral hygiene. Bacterial plaque accumulating around the tooth neck and interdental spaces, results in inflammation and then periodontitis. Abnormal saliva composition, weakened immune system and genetic predisposition are other factors that can have a great impact on the occurrence of inflammation.

One of the first symptoms of periodontitis is slight pain, swelling and bleeding gums. Bacteria in the oral cavity move into the interdental spaces and deeper, which leads to the formation of putrefaction processes that are responsible for bad breath. Weakening of the connection between the tooth and the surrounding tissues leads to the teeth starting to wobble and fall out. Other symptoms include tooth protrusion, hypersensitivity, swelling, and in extreme cases, even purulent discharge.

Usually, the initial symptoms of periodontitis are ignored, until more severe gingivitis appears. But the sooner we seek dental help and start the treatment, the better the outcome. Depending on the stage of the disease, different treatments are used. The treatment of the initial phase is fairly easy, as it’s all about “deep cleaning” of the teeth by a dental hygienist, followed by good oral hygiene. If plaque is visible, the doctor removes it thoroughly, and then antibiotic therapy is applied. In the case of advanced periodontitis, it is necessary to implement more advanced treatment including certain surgical procedures that will allow the regeneration of periodontal tissues.