110_ Exposed Tooth Root_ How do you fix exposed tooth roots_

How do you fix exposed tooth roots?

Typically, approaches to fixing exposed tooth roots involve a combination of professional dental treatments aimed at addressing the underlying causes of gum recession and protecting the exposed roots from further damage. Dentists rely on a variety of methods and procedures to effectively treat exposed tooth roots. Fixing exposed tooth roots requires a tailored approach and is based on both the severity of gum recession and the underlying causes. In minor cases, the goals of treatment may be to prevent additional recession through a modification of brushing habits. In more severe cases, professional dental treatments such as gum grafting, root planing and scaling, periodontal surgery, and guided tissue regeneration are effective methods to restore gum health and protect tooth roots from additional damage. Along with these treatments, maintaining good oral hygiene practices and making lifestyle changes can help support the success of treatment and prevent future gum problems. If you suspect, or know, you have exposed tooth roots, or if you’re experiencing symptoms such as sensitivity or gum recession, consult with your dentist promptly to discuss the best treatment options for your individual needs. Early intervention can help preserve your oral health and prevent more serious dental issues in the future.

One of the more common procedures used to cover exposed tooth roots and restore damaged gum tissue is gum grafting. There are a few different types of gum grafts. One common type of gum graft is the connective tissue graft. For a connective tissue graft, a flap of skin is removed from the palate or from a nearby area of the gums and stitched in place to cover an exposed root. This procedure helps to thicken the gum tissue and protect the root from further exposure. Less common approaches include the free gingival graft, which is used especially in patients with thin gum tissue to reinforce existing tissue and protect the tooth roots, and the pedicle graft, which involves incising and stretching nearby gum tissue over an exposed root and stitching it into place.

When gum recession and exposed tooth roots are the result of periodontal disease, the first step toward restoring healthy gum tissue is treating existing disease. This is often done with root planing and scaling, also known as deep cleaning, a non-surgical procedure that cleans below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup and smooth the surfaces of the roots. This helps to eliminate bacteria that contribute to gum disease and cause further gum recession, while encouraging the gums to reattach to the teeth properly.

In cases of advanced gum disease or severe gum recession, periodontal surgery may be necessary. Procedures such as pocket reduction, also known as flap surgery, involve folding back the gum tissue to remove bacteria and tartar before securing the gum tissue back into place. This reduces the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums, promoting healing and preventing further gum recession. Another surgical procedure used when periodontal disease has progressed is guided tissue regeneration. This procedure is used to regenerate bone and tissue lost due to periodontal disease, relying on a biocompatible membrane placed between the gum tissue and the bone to prevent gum tissue from growing into the area where bone should be. In many cases, antibiotics or antimicrobial treatments are prescribed after gum surgery or deep cleaning treatments. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is recommended for exposed tooth roots, as they help redistribute bite forces and reduce pressure on the gums, preventing further recession.

To help maintain treatment results and prevent further gum recession, adopting good oral hygiene practices is key. Gentle brushing, effective flossing, and regular dental visits all play a significant part in maintaining oral health. If you smoke, consider quitting, and if you brush too aggressively, ask your dentist for guidance in adopting new brushing techniques. These simple steps can prevent significant issues down the line.