Gum recession occurs when the gums are pushed back or wear away, exposing the pink tissue that covers the roots of one or more teeth. These exposed roots can lead to an increased risk of tooth infection, decay or loss.
The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease caused by poor oral hygiene. However, even people with good oral hygiene can experience gum recession due to inflammation or inherited factors, such as crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth or thin gums.
Wear and tear on the gums due to aging, brushing too hard or brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush is another common cause. Tobacco use, hormonal fluctuations and damage caused by body piercings can also contribute.
Inherited risk factors and aging cannot be avoided. However, there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of gum recession:
Mild gum recession may not require treatment and can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene. In cases where the recession has caused gaps between teeth or exposed roots, composite fillings may be used to close the gaps or cover exposed roots.
Composite fillings are made from a polymer resin that contains plastic particles. These fillings have traditionally been used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings but can also be used to repair damaged or decayed teeth, close tooth gaps and cover exposed roots.
The dentist begins the process by selecting a shade of resin that closely matches the natural shade of the patient's teeth. The dentist then roughens the surface of the tooth and applies a conditioning liquid. The resin is molded and smoothed to the desired shape, and a special light is used to harden the material.
Once hardened, the material is trimmed, shaped and polished to achieve the desired appearance. The whole process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Composite restoration is one of the least invasive methods of treating gum recession. It is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing because the resin can closely match the natural appearance of the teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Agoura Hills, CA.
Gum recession can damage the appearance of the smile and lead to painfully sensitive teeth, exposed roots and an increased risk for tooth decay and loss. Composite fillings can be used to improve the appearance of the smile and reduce risk factors caused by gum recession.
Request an appointment or call The Smile Spa at 818-573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.
More and more people are getting All-on-4® to replace missing teeth. This is a popular option for those missing all of their teeth. However, if you have lost teeth, it can be problematic for both your appearance and oral health. For example, you may feel embarrassed by how your teeth look when you smile or…
If your teenager is in need of teeth straightening treatment, you may be wondering whether Invisalign® for teens is a viable option. There are pros and cons to everything in life, and Invisalign is no different. Here are four things to think about as you consider the appropriate choice for your child.Invisalign uses clear aligners…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…
More and more people are getting All-on-4 to replace missing teeth. This is a popular…
If your teenager is in need of teeth straightening treatment, you may be wondering whether…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens…
Dental restorations are a personal choice, and only the patient may make that choice. However,…
Getting braces is not something that most teens look forward to. Invisalign® treatments for teens…
Invisalign® has been around for a little more than two decades and, in that time,…
