Gum Recession Treatment in Ingram / Crafton, PA

Gum recession occurs gradually, often going unnoticed until significant tissue loss has occurred. The gum tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth begins to wear away or pull back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This creates pockets between teeth and gums where bacteria can accumulate, leading to further tissue damage and potential tooth loss if left untreated.

Several factors contribute to gum recession. Aggressive brushing with hard-bristle toothbrushes can wear away gum tissue over time. Periodontal disease remains the leading cause, as bacterial infections destroy gum tissue and supporting bone. Genetic predisposition affects susceptibility, with some people naturally having thinner, more fragile gum tissue. Other contributors include tobacco use, teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, and hormonal changes.

The location and pattern of recession often provide clues about the underlying cause. Localized recession on one or two teeth might indicate trauma or aggressive brushing in that area. Generalized recession affecting multiple teeth suggests systemic factors like gum disease or genetic predisposition. Understanding these patterns helps us develop targeted treatment strategies at our Ingram / Crafton office.

Early detection of gum recession allows for more conservative treatment options. Watch for teeth that appear longer than normal, visible tooth roots with a yellowish color, notches or indentations at the gum line, increased sensitivity to temperature and sweet foods, spaces developing between teeth, and changes in how teeth fit together when biting.

You might also notice bleeding during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth in advanced cases. The progression can be so gradual that many patients don’t realize they have recession until their dentist points it out during a routine exam. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your gum health and catch recession in its earliest stages.

Some patients first notice recession when they experience sudden sensitivity to cold drinks or when brushing near the gum line. Others may notice food getting caught in areas where it didn’t before, or their smile appearing “toothy” in photographs. These signs warrant immediate evaluation to prevent further progression.

When caught early, gum recession may respond to non-surgical interventions available at our Ingram / Crafton office. Professional deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach. We may apply Arestin antibiotic therapy directly to infected pockets to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote healing.

Laser therapy, utilizing our advanced laser dentistry technology, offers a minimally invasive option for treating mild to moderate gum recession. The laser removes diseased tissue and bacteria while stimulating the body’s natural healing response. This treatment causes less discomfort than traditional methods and promotes faster recovery with better aesthetic results. Many patients are amazed at how comfortable laser treatment can be.

We’ll also address contributing factors through customized treatment. This might include orthodontic treatment with clear aligners to correct misalignment, a custom night guard for teeth grinding, or modifications to your oral hygiene routine with softer brushes and proper technique. Sometimes, simply changing brushing habits can halt recession progression.