Gum Recession in Lisle, IL
Each tooth sits inside a protective gum seal. With gum recession, that gum tissue pulls back and exposes the roots, leaving them open to decay, sensitivity, and further damage, and once the seal breaks down the tooth and the bone around it are at risk. At Brammeier Family Dental, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson can pinpoint what's driving your recession and recommend the right treatment to rebuild that protection and improve your smile.
What it is
A slow wearing-away of gum tissue that uncovers tooth roots, breaks the protective seal around your teeth, and leaves the roots open to decay, sensitivity, and bone loss.
Who it affects
It can happen to anyone, though it shows up most often in adults past 40. Contributing factors include gum disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, teeth grinding, and misaligned teeth.
How we help
A careful evaluation to find the cause, non-surgical care wherever possible, and soft tissue grafting to rebuild lost gum tissue and re-cover the roots when that's what's needed.
On their own, receding gums never grow back. Treating them early prevents further damage.
Symptoms of Gum Recession
- Sensitivity: Exposed roots make hot and cold temperatures uncomfortable
- Longer-looking teeth: As gum tissue retreats, teeth start to look longer than normal
- Exposed roots: The darker root surface shows below the gum line
- Discoloration: Compared with the crown, exposed roots often look yellowish or brownish
- Loose teeth: Losing supporting tissue can leave teeth feeling mobile
- Increased cavities: Softer than enamel, exposed root surfaces decay more easily
Causes of Gum Recession
- Periodontal disease: The bacteria behind gum disease break down the supporting bone and tissue
- Aggressive brushing: Heavy pressure or a hard-bristled toothbrush wears gum tissue away
- Poor oral hygiene: Built-up plaque and tartar fuel chronic inflammation and recession
- Genetics: Some people simply inherit thinner gum tissue
- Grinding and clenching: Excess force on the teeth drives the gums back
- Misaligned teeth: Poorly aligned teeth create uneven forces that trigger localized recession
Treatment Options
- Address the cause: When gum disease is involved, scaling and root planing is usually where we start
- Soft tissue grafting: If grafting is called for, we arrange a referral to a trusted periodontist who can rebuild lost tissue and re-cover exposed roots
- Bite correction: Balancing the bite or managing grinding can halt recession driven by excessive force
- Improved technique: A soft toothbrush and a gentler brushing motion keep further damage at bay
- Night guard: A custom night guard guards against grinding-related recession
- Drs. Brammeier and Ericson choose the best approach based on what's causing your recession and how far it has progressed
Act before sensitivity turns into pain. Treating gum recession early is both simpler and more effective.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Evaluation: Drs. Brammeier and Ericson inspect your gum tissue, measure the recession, and pinpoint the underlying cause
- Diagnosis: We give you a clear picture of your condition and what's behind it
- Treatment plan: Depending on how advanced it is, options can run from better home care to soft tissue grafting
- Treatment: When suitable we try non-surgical approaches first, turning to grafting when recession is significant
- Follow-up: Ongoing monitoring confirms the recession has stopped and any grafts are healing well
Helpful Tips
- Reach for a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions instead of scrubbing back and forth
- Take sensitivity seriously, as it's often recession's first sign
- Grind your teeth at night? Ask us about a custom night guard
- Keep flossing. Done correctly it won't cause recession, but skipping it invites the gum disease that will
- Address recession early, because the more gum tissue you lose, the more involved treatment gets
- Should grafting be recommended, we partner with a trusted periodontist to coordinate the procedure and your follow-up care
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect your roots and your smile. Book your gum recession evaluation today.