Cosmetic Dentistry
What is it? Well, this form of dentistry is a broad term that entails a variety of dental procedures. These procedures are performed by an orthodontist, a dental hygienist or a dentist to either fix dental health problems or to enhance the appearance of the teeth.
This methodology of treatment can be applied to give the patient a complete smile makeover. This may include procedures such as teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, and aligning teeth, reducing over and underbite, bleaching and even fixing receding gums.
Receding gums are a periodontal condition that can be caused due to a variety of factors. These factors include the lifestyle of the individual suffering from this problem, their genetics, their habits (smoking, etc.) and even their dental regimen. There are studies which show the effect of hormonal disbalance and menopause on receding gums.
Receding gums are a condition which creates gaps between the teeth and the jawbone. These “gaps” can be identified by the pulled appearance of the gums or by increased tooth exposure.
This can create spaces for bacterial and viral infections to prosper in the oral cavity which essentially leads to tooth removal and decay.
How can Cosmetic dentistry fix receding gums?
If you are suffering from mild gum recession than the first cosmetic procedure you can go for is tooth cleaning. This not only cleans out all the gaps and removes tartar and plaque but it also includes other procedures. Teeth cleaning process will entail a tooth scaling and root planning treatment as well.
These treatments help reduce the buildup and smooth the area so that the gums can heal. Dentists may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection and help the gums return to their original position.
If this is not the answer to your receding gums then the following cosmetic surgeries may help
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Root planning and open flap scaling
During this procedure, the dentist will fold back the damaged tissue that is the cause of receding gums. One the bacteria buildup is exposed, the dentist will clean out the area and place the gum tissue securely back on the teeth. This reduces the gaps between the teeth and the gums and the gum retains its snug position once again.
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Regeneration
In some cases, the receding gums are caused by bone loss. There are procedures that can fix this problem. For regeneration, the dentist folds the damaged gum tissue and cleans out the gap created by receding gums. Then they will fill up the gap using a regenerative graft tissue, a membrane or simulating protein that causes tissue growth. This treatment facilitates the body in filling up the gap by regenerating the lost bone tissue.
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Soft tissue graft
This is a connective or soft tissue graft which is removed from within your own mouth. A tiny piece of skin is taken from the palate and stitched to the area where the gum has receded. In some cases, the dentist can remove tissue from around the gum to stitch the area.
