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Protect Your Smile from Gum Recession
Restore your gum line and protect your teeth with advanced recession treatments that preserve your oral health.
When gum tissue begins pulling away from your teeth, exposing sensitive root surfaces and creating an aged appearance, you’re experiencing gum recession. This common condition affects millions of people, causing discomfort with temperature changes and potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated. The gradual nature of recession means many patients don’t recognize the problem until significant damage has occurred.
At South Hills Dental Arts, we restore receding gums using advanced techniques developed over 35 years of practice. Our comprehensive approach combines laser dentistry, plasma-rich growth factors, and minimally invasive surgical options to naturally rebuild your gum line. With four convenient locations throughout Pittsburgh, we make accessing quality periodontal care stress-free and straightforward.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession develops through several pathways, each requiring different treatment approaches. Aggressive brushing ranks among the most preventable causes, as hard-bristled brushes and excessive force gradually wear away delicate gum tissue. Many patients brush vigorously, believing they’re improving their oral health, but this habit actually damages the very tissues they’re trying to protect.
Periodontal disease represents the most serious cause of recession. Bacterial infections attack gum tissue and supporting bone structures, creating deep pockets where more harmful bacteria accumulate. Without professional intervention, this cycle continues until significant tissue loss occurs. Genetics also influence recession susceptibility, with some people inheriting thinner, more fragile gum tissue that recedes more easily than others.
Additional factors include teeth grinding, misaligned teeth that create excessive pressure, tobacco use, and hormonal changes. Understanding your specific risk factors allows us to develop targeted prevention strategies alongside treatment plans.
Signs Your Gums Are Receding
Recognizing recession early provides the best treatment outcomes with the least invasive procedures. Teeth that appear longer than before often signal the first stages of tissue loss. You might notice yellowish root surfaces becoming visible near the gum line, or experience sharp sensitivity when drinking cold beverages or eating sweet foods.
Physical changes include notches developing where teeth meet gums, spaces opening between teeth that weren’t there before, or loose teeth in advanced cases. Some patients report their bite feeling different or food getting caught in new spaces between teeth and gums.
Pain isn’t always present with recession, which explains why many cases progress undetected. Regular dental examinations can catch recession in its early stages, when conservative treatments remain most effective.
Conservative Treatment Approaches to Gum Recessions
Early-stage gum recession can often be treated without surgery. Deep cleaning removes buildup below the gum line, allowing tissue to heal and reattach. Targeted antibiotic therapy may also be used to control infection and support recovery.
Laser treatment can help remove damaged tissue and bacteria while promoting faster healing with minimal discomfort.
Addressing the causes of recession is just as important as treatment, which helps protect your gums from future damage.
- Custom night guards to prevent grinding damage
- Orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment
- Modified brushing techniques with softer tools
- Antimicrobial rinses to reduce bacterial loads
- Nutritional counseling to support gum health
These preventive measures help existing tissue remain healthy while preventing further recession from developing.
Surgical Restoration Options for Receding Gums
Advanced recession requires surgical intervention to restore lost tissue and protect exposed roots. Gum grafting procedures involve taking tissue from your palate or other areas and carefully positioning it over exposed roots. This restores your natural gum line while providing long-term protection against sensitivity and decay.
Our use of plasma-rich growth factors significantly enhances grafting success rates. By concentrating healing factors from your blood and applying them during surgery, we accelerate tissue integration and reduce recovery time. This advanced technique helps grafted tissue establish blood supply more quickly, improving overall outcomes.
The pinhole surgical technique represents our minimally invasive alternative to traditional grafting. Through tiny access points, we gently reposition existing gum tissue to cover exposed roots without removing tissue from other areas. This approach eliminates the need for sutures and reduces postoperative discomfort while achieving excellent aesthetic results.
Maintaining Your Gum Recession Treatment Results
Successful recession treatment requires ongoing maintenance to prevent recurrence. We provide detailed instructions on proper brushing technique using soft-bristled brushes and gentle circular motions.
Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar before they can cause tissue damage. Patients with previous recession typically benefit from more frequent cleanings, allowing us to monitor healing and catch any early signs of new problems.
Lifestyle modifications support long-term gum health. Managing stress reduces teeth grinding, while avoiding tobacco products promotes better blood flow to gum tissue. Balanced nutrition provides essential nutrients for tissue repair and maintenance.
Long-term Benefits of Treating Gum Recession
Treating recession provides benefits extending beyond improved appearance. Covering exposed roots eliminates sensitivity, making eating and drinking more enjoyable. Protected root surfaces resist decay better than exposed areas, reducing future dental problems and associated costs.
Healthy gums support overall oral health by preventing bacteria from entering deeper tissues. Research continues to reveal connections between gum health and systemic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, making recession treatment an investment in your overall well-being.
Restored gum lines also improve smile aesthetics, boosting confidence in social and professional situations. Many patients report feeling more comfortable smiling and speaking after successful recession treatment.
Experience South Hills Dental Arts Gum Recession Solutions
Don’t allow recession to progress until more invasive treatments become necessary. With 35 years of experience treating patients in the Pittsburgh area, we understand how to achieve lasting results with minimal discomfort. We offer free virtual consultations, allowing you to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options from home.
Our four convenient locations in Upper St. Clair, Ingram/Crafton, Sewickley, and McMurray bring advanced recession treatments close to your neighborhood. From early-stage laser therapy to comprehensive surgical restoration using plasma-rich growth factors, we provide complete care under one roof. Contact us today at (412) 668-5468 or through our online contact form to schedule your gum health evaluation.
