Gum recession is an insidious and rather unpleasant disease. Timely detection of the cause of the pathology, its competent treatment makes it possible to return a dazzling smile and forget about the problem forever. In this article, we will consider why this disease develops, according to what principles it is classified by specialists, the methods of surgical intervention used today and their effectiveness in practice.
General information
Recession is a pathological change in the level of the gum surface relative to the tooth. As a result of this process, its direct exposure occurs. The disease entails not only aesthetic problems, but also the development of various kinds of pathologies. These include increased sensitivity of enamel, wedge-shaped defects, caries and others. At a young age, the disease is diagnosed relatively rarely (approximately 10% of patients). Most often it occurs in people of middle and old age (up to 95%).
Gingival recession is classified as a disease that negatively affects the aesthetics of the face, as well as the psycho-emotional state of a person. nakedthe roots of the teeth, clearly visible when smiling, significantly lower self-esteem, cause difficulties in communication, and negatively affect social adaptation. The more pronounced the pathology, the stronger the person's psychological uncertainty.
Main causes of disease
The reasons for the development of this pathology are varied. Below are just a few of them.
- Tartar or plaque. In conditions of a special anatomical structure of the oral mucosa and insufficient width of the gums, plaque leads to a gradual displacement of the epithelium.
- Anatomical specificity of the so-called alveolar process. In some cases, teeth with massive roots have a thin layer of cortical bone. In this kind of situation, the blood supply to its vestibular parts is not carried out in the required volume. If the periosteal vessels in this area are damaged, then the cortical plate is lost over time. In the place where the tooth is attached to the gum, a slit-like defect is gradually formed, and along with it, gum recession develops. Surgery is indispensable in this kind of situation.
- Incorrect/inconsistent oral care can exacerbate the recession. From mechanical damage to the gums during excessively active brushing, the condition of the gums worsens, which provokes various kinds of diseases. Use items to maintain oral hygiene with extreme care.
- Mechanical damage, after which the tooth is dislocated or its incorrect position is observed, also requires the elimination of gum recession.
- Orthodontic methodstreatments often lead to the development of pathology. Applying pressure to move the teeth during therapy may eventually lead to thinning of the gum or the bone itself. In addition, plaque often accumulates under orthodontic structures, which can also cause an inflammatory process.
- Leakage of arsenic on the gums, if improperly placed by the dentist, can injure the surface and cause disease.
- Inflammatory processes in the gums (gingivitis, periodontitis).
- Incorrect attachment of upper/lower lip frenulum.
How does the disease manifest itself?
There are several types of this pathology, each of which has characteristic clinical manifestations. However, there are common symptoms for all forms of the disease:
- Reducing the level of the gums.
- Exposure of the root of the tooth.
- Increased sensitivity to thermal and chemical stimuli.
- Formation of a carious process.
Classification of gum recession
In terms of severity, the disease is divided into mild, moderate and severe forms. In the first case, the gum drops by a maximum of 3 mm. In severe form, this parameter may exceed the mark of 5 mm.
Depending on the degree of coverage of the oral cavity, the recession is local and generalized. According to the way the disease progresses, a visible and hidden (diagnosed by probing) variant is distinguished.
Traumaticrecession
Most often develops in patients under 30 years old, mainly on the front surface of the teeth. Root exposure reaches 1-2 mm, which is certainly accompanied by increased sensitivity of soft tissues and cosmetic defects. Signs of inflammation are extremely rare.
Symptomatic recession
Develops at any age on the lingual and vestibular surfaces of the teeth. In patients under the age of approximately 35 years, the pathological process can be observed in the interdental spaces of the gum.
The disease occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene, leading to the appearance of dental plaque and many ailments (gingivitis, periodontitis). Gingival recession is accompanied by bleeding, swelling, suppuration, loosening of teeth. The cause of the disease is often traumatic treatment of caries.
Physiological recession
Diagnosed mainly in elderly patients as a result of the physiological aging of the periodontium. Exposing the roots is noticeable to the naked eye. Teeth remain stable, soft tissue inflammation is extremely rare.
Indications for reversing recession
- Wish of the patient.
- Enamel too sensitive.
- Preparation for orthopedic therapy.
- High probability of developing a carious process.
- Progressive gum recession.
Necessary treatment
Therapy for this disease is essential as the recession couldprogress and cause very unpleasant complications.
Treatment usually involves surgery. It allows you to restore the contour of the gums and close the exposed root. According to the Miller classification of the disease that is common today, not every case is subject to a surgical treatment option. In recessions of class I and II, the probability of complete closure of the root surface is very high. With class III disease, it is not possible to close the root surface by 100%. Class IV Miller gingival recession is non-surgical.
Surgery
To cope with this disease and eliminate visible cosmetic defects, experts strongly recommend seeking qualified help in a timely manner. Surgical methods allow you to restore the contours of the gums and close the exposed roots of the teeth. Currently, the following options for surgical intervention are actively used in practice:
- Lateral flap method. The pedicled flap is taken in the "donor" areas adjacent to the affected area. Gingival recession plasty by this method is carried out if there is the necessary amount of material in the soft tissues near the tooth. During the operation, the doctor takes a flap from the gum itself or from the hard palate. This method of treatment is relevant for localized and generalized types of the disease. The operation is performed using a local version of anesthesia. Initially, the specialist relieves existing inflammationand removes dental deposits. Then comes the process of forming the flap itself. At the final stage, it is sewn up. The main advantage of the lateral flap method is the effective provision of the recovery period due to 100% matching of the soft tissues of the oral cavity. The only drawback of the procedure, according to experts, is the manifestation of slight discomfort in the area from which the donor site was taken. Incorrect engraftment of the flap on the surface is not ruled out.
- Non-resorbable membranes are a classic operation. Gingival recession is eliminated without serious complications. The operation consists of two stages. Initially, the doctor installs the membranes. Due to their high rigidity, they exclude the possibility of a second procedure. After a certain period of time, they must be removed. According to statistics, this kind of operation is not very effective. Recovery of damaged tissues is not observed in full size (up to 73% of inflamed areas). Doctors do not recommend this treatment option for patients diagnosed with gum recession.
- Treatment with the help of regeneration potentials of some biological elements. The components of these funds are certain sets of elements that contribute to the rapid formation of new he althy tissues. As a rule, protein enzymes and the element amelogenin are used. These substances contribute to the formation of he althy gum enamel and restore the structure of the roots of the teeth. The use of the enamel matrix is aimed at the formation of solid structures on the surface of the affectedgums.
Non-surgical methods
Treatment of gum recession with collagen is a conservative treatment option for the disease. This approach to treatment is recommended only in the early stages of the development of pathology, when the roots are not yet very exposed. Moreover, collagen gives an excellent result in the event that the recession is a consequence of inflammatory processes. With the help of this substance, introduced into the gum tissue, it is possible to achieve an aesthetic improvement in the appearance of the affected area, to close the bare part of the tooth in order to avoid negative effects.
Prevention measures
Gingival recession should not be ignored. Treatment should be prescribed by a doctor based on the cause of the pathology and its form of development. To prevent its occurrence, experts recommend using fairly simple prevention tips.
First of all, it is necessary to treat caries in a timely manner, since it is he who acts as the main cause of this disease. Equally important are regular visits to the dentist's office for preventive purposes. The sooner a doctor diagnoses a problem, the easier it is to eliminate it with minimal he alth consequences.
Gum injury and bleeding should not be allowed. Possible bite anomalies are recommended to be corrected with the most gentle methods, periodically strengthen the enamel through remineralizing therapy. Particular attention should be paid to good oral hygiene: brush your teeth properly, do not usetoo hard brush.
Conclusion
This article provides detailed information about such a common disease as gum recession. Reviews of the treatment methods presented here are very diverse. Some patients report positive results after conservative therapy. Others talk about the rapid recovery of the affected area after treatment through surgery. In any case, only a doctor can offer a specific therapy option after examining the patient, identifying the nature of the disease and its form.
Closing gum recession in the early stages is much faster and easier than in advanced cases. If you do not seek help from a specialist in a timely manner, the treatment will be long and very painful. That is why, when the first signs appear, it is so important not to postpone the visit to the doctor.
We hope that all the information presented in this article will be really useful for you. Stay he althy!
