Gingival Recession

Cleaning teeth, commonly known as scaling. Refers to the detailed and thorough teeth cleaning, remove any attachments should not have, such as, teeth stains, smoke stains, tea stains, calculus, debris, stains and so on.

Teeth cleaning methods include ultrasonic teeth cleaning, sand blasting and biological cleaning teeth cleaning teeth, most of the common life of ultrasonic scaler for larger stones; blast cleaning teeth for tartar thinner, and the play polishing effect; and biological scaling laws of biological elements have been dissolved through the teeth or subgingival calculus under, and make prevention and treatment of periodontitis and oral absorption improvement of gingival recession, with security and natural protection.

The pros and cons of different scaling methods compared

First, ultrasonic scaling method, commonly known as scaling (medically as “subgingival scaling technique”), refers to the use of ultrasonic scaling equipment to remove supragingival calculus, plaque and tooth surface color, and polished to delay re-deposition of plaque and calculus. Ultrasonic scaling law, its benefits are obvious in the short term effect, but failed to solve the problem of gingival recession, tooth stain and plaque will soon re-attached to the tooth surface, or even attached to the more difficult to clean. Ultrasonic scaler, also requires the technical skills and experience of physicians is better, otherwise easily lead to complications after teeth cleaning, which is due to ultrasonic scaling method is the use of ultrasound on the subgingival calculus for deep impact, it is likely to cause scaling wound, scaling process of bleeding is inevitable, creating the gums vulnerable to infection and password; while more stubborn calculus, but also in the same time scaling ultrasonic washing, technical bias, tend to aggravate the wound is too large gingival inflammation, leading to periodontal deterioration of the environment, therefore, improper handling, after scaling, inflammation, swelling or even bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
How early can gingival recession occur from using Snus tobacco?
I just recently started using the new smokeless tobacco product Snus. I have heard that it can cause gingival recession. I am not a consistent user. I use about two packets a day about 3-4 days a week. Sometimes I do not even use all week. How early can gingival recession occur? Please let me know. I use tobacco as a stress-reliever, having a huge amount of stress in my life. Please be serious about the answers, I will report any inappropriate answers. Thank you very much.
- ANSWER:
  Andrew, Yes snus can and does cause recession. The tobacco in the snus causes the capillaries to constrict, decreasing blood flow, which can and does cause the tissue to recede. As stated before, snus use is strongly related to mouth cancer. This is a very messy cancer that typically causes disfiguring destruction to the mouth. Please, find another way to relieve your stress. Small white patches where you use the snus are actually precancerous changes! Stopping NOW will greatly reduce your risks. Good Luck, Dr. Dan
QUESTION:
I am suffering from generalized gingival recession and sensitivity. How long will my teeth last?
I want to know from experience what is the period like for tooth loss to happen if good care is given like flossing and two time brushing. I am 28 year old male and a smoker of 20 ciggs a day(i know quitting will reduce risk). Also sometimes I clench my teeth at night. I want to know exact reasons of recession – whther it is too much brushing, bruxism (clenching of teeth – nightguard needed and how to measure bruxism?), alchohal, plaque deposits or anything else? and if I reduce all risks how long will it take for tooth loss to happen? currently I have almsot 4-5 mm of recession on outer side of all teeth while no recession at all on inside of teeth except for lower front teeth (which are mis-aligned and thus gather more plaque). Dental x-rays show very minimal bone less. how you reduced risk? Whether gum grafting is successful as I am very concerned about this condition and fear immediate tooth loss if recession goes on at this rate(i have noticed recession only 6 months back).
- ANSWER:
  As a dental hygienist of six years and now a dentist, I must tell you, no one can answer this question with out seeing you. Not only can you see recession but you must do a periodontal exam to evaluate the bone levels, if you have pockets, you have lost more bone than you know (add recession+pocket depth= total loss of supporting structure). I recommend, #1 see a dentist for a comprehensive exam and voice your concerns. #2 QUIT SMOKING (it increases your risk of periodontal disease). #3 Keep up with regual dental visits (often people with gum disease need to have cleanings and maintianance every 3-4 months). In most cases, someone as young as you are who practices good home care can reverse some of the loss or at least halt the disease in which case you could keep your teeth your entire life. Recession can be caused by many of the things you mentioned, aggressive/improper bruhsing, brusxism, plaque and calculus (tartar) depostits. Seriously, go see a dentist now, before it gets beyond help.
QUESTION:
Gingival recession question?
i recently noticed that i have a minor case of gingival recession most likely due to my aggressive brushing technique and frequent brushing. ive started using a softer toothbrush and a more gentle technique. if it was my brushing that cuased it and this new technique works, then how long will it take for my gums to heal?
- ANSWER:
  yrou gums wont actually grow back – after a week they may stop receeding..
  gum recession is something everyone goes theough with age anyways.. but if your brushing has calmed down then the recession will stop now but they wont grown back down sorry !
QUESTION:
Gingival recession vs abrasion lesion?
Hi everyone how do you distinguish gingival recession from abrasion lesion clinically? Because i think they look similar especially if the abrasion lesion is at cervical third of tooth near the gingival margin. Or can the two actually be the same?? Thx a lot~
- ANSWER:
  Usually you will get recession from brushing to hard which will leave the cementum of the tooth abraded. If someone brushes too hard, the gums will recede. Once they are receded and the patient does not change the way they brush it can cause abrasion which can be mechanical. Something that is hard to distinguish is the difference from abrasion, and abfraction.
QUESTION:
gum recession ( Free Gingival Graft) Any tips ?
Hi , i had my braces off now since Feburary and i have gum recession on my lower gum , i was at the gum specialist today and i have to have a gingival graft done in a few weeks . Can anyone tell me tips on how not to worry and is it painfull after ?
- ANSWER:
  Don’t worry! I’ve just had a bone graft, which is similar except for bone (well duh:) It is really easy.
  
  It doesn’t hurt at all. Your Perio will totally numb you up. The only scary thing is possibly the injection into your palate. That may smart a bit, but it really isn’t bad.
  
  If you are nervous, you may be able to get nitrous oxide to help you calm down. Ask your DDS about it. It will make you not even care what’s going on in your mouth.
  
  My most important random tip: ask your Perio or assistant to tell you and show you exactly what your mouth looks like and feels like before you leave the chair. BEcause when you get home and are healing, it can really mess up the healing process if you are messing with your site with your tongue, or pulling back your lip to look. So I have my Perio tell me and show me exactly what it looks like so I know but don’t have to mess with the site! Just a tip that not many people think about, hope it helps
  
  You will be fine after the procedure! You may be given a script for pain pills. Take one asap, as the most pain will be just after the procedure. But after that, I was fine with my bone graft, I didn’t really need pills. If your donor site is bleeding a bit, moisten a tea bag and gently apply pressure with it. Be really gentil, cause the bag will bust open if you press too hard, and tea leaves will go everywhere!
  
  You can ice for up to 12 hours after your surgery, which may help if you are in any pain. But otherwise, you should be great and will be happy with what turns out!
  
  Good Luck!
QUESTION:
Lip piercing with relation to gingival recession and gum problems; your experiances!?
So a couple of days ago I got my bottom lip pierced twice.
I’ve been wanting to have them done for four years, (since I was fourteen) and had some spare cash so I went for it. I’m confident in the piercing studio, as it was recommended by several people, was spotless, and people working there were lovely! I was done with a sterilised hyperdermic needle rather than a gun.
The piercings appear to be healing ok, although I admit it’s early days yet!
I then read some papers on science direct in relation to the increased risk of gingival recession in people which laberet piercings. The evidence used was all in countries i’m not in (the main study was in Israli teenages, and another in texas) and the figures were presented in such a way that made it difficult to compare fairly.
I’d never heard of this before, and couldn’t find any papers looking specifically at the link between lip piercing and gingival recession in the UK.

I was hoping the people of yahoo answers could share their experiances on the matter?
Thanks.
- ANSWER:
  My lip piercing does not touch my gums.
  Therefore, it won’t do any gum damage. :]
  
  Edit:
  If the piercing rests on your teeth, you’re likely to get teeth erosions because your jewelry will rub against the enamel on your teeth.
QUESTION:
I found out I have Gingival Recession(Gum Recession). I was wondering how much treatment cost?
I found out I have Gingival Recession only below one of my front bottom tooth. I have had it for a long time(dont remember when i first seen it) and i am very embarresed of it. It also is causing me to have bad breath 24/7 even though i brush my teeth. I am 19 yrs old dont have an income and soon to be shipped to BCT for the Army at the end of Aug. I am scared that once i get my dental exam for the Army they will kick me out because of it. I have medical insurance but I dont even know who would take care of this a dentist or a specialist? Once I know i can see if they take insurance but if not does anyone kno how much root planting or surgery cost for this?
- ANSWER:
  You can easily check your minimal health care rates in internet, for example here – healthquotes.awardspace.info
QUESTION:
Is a (non-surface) cheek/dimple piercing a bad idea if you have a problem with gum recession?
I have had two gingival grafts in the past year and have been warned about some ‘problem areas’.

What is the likelihood of the piercing causing further recession?
I had a labret piercing three years ago and never had a problem.
- ANSWER:
  I don’t know about cheek piercings, but other piercings in or around the mouth can definitely cause gums to recede. My orthodontist highly recommended that I take my tongue piercing of two years out because he could see my gumline starting to fade.
  I think it really depends on the location. I have two lip piercings and they don’t rub my gums because they are up high, situated right below my lip line. I would ask a few piercers and see what they have to say.
QUESTION:
when i leave for Basic Combat Training and go to reception can the army disqualify me for having gum disease?
i have gingival recession/gum disease and am scared that when i leave for BCT and they check me out at the reception battalion they will disqualify me. I would get it fixed before i leave but my medical will not cover it and i cant pay out of pocket. it would be cool to get an answer from a recruiter or someone that would kno for sure but anything helps.
- ANSWER:
  Depends on how bad it is. You’ll have another physical at MEPS before you take off for Basic. If it’s bad enough you wont go to Basic until you take care of it otherwise they’ll send you to recption where you’ll be pulled aside get treated at Reception and join the gimp platoon until your fit enough to start Basic. Good Luck and enjoy the ride.
QUESTION:
My dentist said I should have a “gingival graft” due to the amount my gums have receded and the pain. ,000?
Is this procedure really going to help or is gum recession just a natural occurance due to aging? 00 seems VERY expensive. I was told I will need to be under a general anesthetic for this surgical procedure. How risky is procudure? This next question may or may display my lack of knowledge on this subject: Is this procedure for real? Or just a way to generate revenue for my dentist?
- ANSWER:
  I have receding gums as well. My denstist never said I needed to have gum grafting. There are many other treatments out there that are usually considered before the gum grafting. For instance, there is special sealants that the dentist can put on. Also, there are special toothpastes for sensitive teeth. You need to use them for up to a month before you notice an improvement.
  
  Yes, gum grafting is a real procedure, but usually only considered as a last resort. Go to another dentist and ask them about special sealants that can be applied.
  
  My sensitive teeth only bother me in the winter. So I try to keep the temperature up in the house.
  
  I would try all your other options before you shell out 4 grand to a dentist. I would be finding myself a second opinion.
  
  Good Luck.
QUESTION:
Have you had a gingival gum graft before? (I am giving best answer)?
Gingival Gum Graft – A free gingival graft is a dental procedure where a layer of tissue is removed from the palate of the patient’s mouth and then relocated to the site of gum recession. It is stitched into place and will serve to protect the exposed root as living tissue.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I went to a Periodontist because I have periodontal gum recession. She said I need to have a gingival gum graft done in the next couple of years (preferably this year). She said it needs to be done on the right and left side of my lower teeth because my gums have receeded a lot and the gum is not attached to the teeth.

Those of you that have done a gingival gum graft:

-How was the pain? Were you able to eat easily after the the gum graft?
-Do you regret it?
-What were the results of it? (Were the results good or bad?)
-What were some problems you had?
-Do you recommend I do it? If so, should I do it sooner or wait a while?
-Any tips?
Thank you for answers….

I am going to give a best answer within a day to the most thoughtful one
Another question:

Should I get a second opinion from another dentist?
- ANSWER:
  I am a dental hygienist and while I was in hygiene school I had a graft done by a periodontal student because I had sensitivity due to recession on my lower bicuspid.
  
  - It was a little tender afterward but eating was not a problem, though my palate did swell late that evening and I would not have been able to eat then but by morning it was back to normal however that is very uncommon for the palate to swell.
  
  - I don’t regret it because now I can tell my pateints about the procedure having first hand experience. I do regret that I did not comply with the home care instructions better becasue it makes ALL the differnce. When they say don’t brush that area for several days, they mean it because the graft needs time to attach before it is touched by anything!!!
  
  - My results weren’t spectacular only beacuse I brushed the area, I thought that brushing lightly wouldn’t matter, I was wrong. Don’t brush it!!
  
  -Only problem was the swelling.
  
  - I definitely recommend it, I have had many patients with excellent results. It will prevent so many problems in the future such as root decay, sensitivity and bone loss. And the sooner you do it the better.
  
  - Follow the home care instructions –don’t brush and floss that area for however long they tell you, most likely they will give you a medicated mouthrinse to aid with healing (Peridex) use it even though it tastes bad and may stain your teeth but your hygienist will be able to remove the stain at your next cleaning.
  
  - If you are unsure go ahead and get a second opinion, it can’t hurt. Either way always make oral hygiene a top priority, you onlty get one set of teeth, take care of them!!
QUESTION:
apicoectomy or gingival flap?
i everyone! i just had a tooth abscess a few weeks ago. THe oral surgeon says i needed an apicoectomy. There was no consent form, and she didn’t inform me that my gums would recede after the surgery. Now 7 days after, i notice severe gum recession. i don’t know if she did an apicoectomy or a gingival flap? how would i know? THe reason why i opted for an apicoectomy coz i don’t want my crowns removed or damaged, now i can’t even smile anymore coz of the recession..i feel so upset…I hope anyone can shed light on this..im gonna have my stitches removed tomorrow. I needed to know if she really did an apico coz i heard in apicos, they only cut a small portion of the gum. But what she did she opened a flap from my gumline. By the way i have 2 teeth that underwent an apico or so she says…i appreicate ur help thanks
- ANSWER:
  Apicoecetomys are a last resort to save a tooth which have recurrent long term infections on teeth which have been root filled. It involves the gum being lifted up and the tip of the root being cut off and sealed from the bottom tonprevent any bacteria entering the tooth. This allows the surrounding bone to heal better as often it has been distoroyed as part of the infection. Thi this fails the tooth should be removed.
  To gain acess there are different flap
  Designs depending on the tooth being operated on. A flap is just cuts in the gum allowing it to be peeled back to access underlying structures. The bigger the flap the bigger the blood supply the quicker it heals. Some people leave a slice of gum just above the tooth and cut the flap above the ape of the tooth. This has the advantage of improved aesthetics but you risk the slice of gum dying… It is not abnormal to raise the flap from were the gum meets the tooth right up to the top of the root.
  You should have been told the benefits and risks beforehand and should have been offered alternative options such as extraction. It might be worth writing a letter of complaint to your dentist telling them you didn’t understand and please will they be clearer innfuture or offer you a consent form.
  The dentist probably didn’t realise that you didn’t understand and this is just a break down in communication.
  
  I hope it all works out!
QUESTION:
Dental advice required please!!?
My 8 yr old son has gingival recession and was referred to an orthodontist. He said the recession could be due to thin bone, and a brace might ‘cure’ the recession by pulling the teeth back into the gum, however there are no guarantees. If a brace did not work a periodontist would be the next step. I am unsure of putting my son through what could be unnecessary treatments (and expense) but don’t know what to do? Any advice please?
- ANSWER:
  As he is under 18 the ortho treatment even at that age should be covered by the NHS. They will cover it under special circumstances at that young age and the dentist just applies for approval.
  
  But as you are unsure it would not be unreasonable to ask for a second opinion with a periodontist before you make this very important decision.
  Ask your own dentist to refer you to a perio guy, either as a specialist in a local practise or at the nearest hospital facility. Your own dentist will have one that he refers to all the time.
  
  You have the right to make an informed decision and to do that you need all the information at your fingertips. Your dentist will understand why you want to discuss with a perio guy to cover all options.
  This may be a consultation that you have to pay for though, but it will be money well spent.
QUESTION:
Getting 4 teeth remove! (Not Wisdom) How long will swellig last?
When i got my bottom 2 wisdom teeth removed, OMG! the swelling lasted 2 weeks! I can’t afford that again! Since these are not wisdom teeth do you know if the recovery time is quicker? Like 24 hrs….?

They look like this: http://www.ispub.com/ispub/ijds/volume_7_number_1_28/gingival-recessions-epidemiologic-etiologic-and-therapeutic-aspects/gingival-fig2.jpg
- ANSWER:
  There’s no way to tell. With removal of teeth, you are causing trauma to your jaw. There will be swelling but for how long depends. I had two teeth removal fairly easy and I didn’t have any swelling.
QUESTION:
Lip piercing with relation to gingival recession and gum problems; your experiances?
So a couple of days ago I got my bottom lip pierced twice.
I’ve been wanting to have them done for four years, (since I was fourteen) and had some spare cash so I went for it. I’m confident in the piercing studio, as it was recommended by several people, was spotless, and people working there were lovely! I was done with a sterilised hyperdermic needle rather than a gun.
The piercings appear to be healing ok, although I admit it’s early days yet!
I then read some papers on science direct in relation to the increased risk of gingival recession in people which laberet piercings. The evidence used was all in countries i’m not in (the main study was in Israli teenages, and another in texas) and the figures were presented in such a way that made it difficult to compare fairly.
I’d never heard of this before, and couldn’t find any papers looking specifically at the link between lip piercing and gingival recession in the UK.

I was hoping the people of yahoo answers could share their experiances on the matter?
Thanks.
- ANSWER: