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Gum Recession Specialists

St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants -  - Periodontist

St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants

Periodontists located in Covington, LA & Slidell, LA

If your teeth appear longer than normal, you’re likely experiencing gum recession. Unfortunately, gum recession is more than an aesthetic issue. It exposes your tooth roots, which can greatly weaken your tooth support system and possibly lead to tooth loss if untreated. Caesar Sweidan, DDS, Laura Smith, DDS, and the team at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants are gum recession specialists who stand ready to restore your gums and teeth to full health. There are two offices located in Covington and Slidell, Louisiana, please call the one nearest you or request an appointment online.

Gum Recession Q & A

What is gum recession?

Gum recession means that the gum tissue protecting your teeth is pulling back or wearing away. Usually, gum recession happens gradually, so you may not notice any changes in the beginning. But, as the gum recession worsens, your teeth appear longer because the recession exposes part of your tooth root.  

Untreated gum recession can lead to many issues with your teeth, gums, and the underlying bone.

What causes gum recession?

Gum recession has many possible causes, including:

  • Aggressive tooth brushing
  • Advanced periodontal disease
  • Orthodontic therapy
  • Structural issues like high frenal attachment  
  • Direct mouth trauma

No matter what the cause, gum recession is a treatable condition. It’s important to watch for obvious changes like lengthening teeth so you can get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. 

Why does gum recession require treatment?

Gum recession requires treatment for several reasons. It can cause issues including:

  • Unattractive, long teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Root cavities, which grow faster than tooth enamel cavities
  • Weakening of your tooth support system
  • Bone loss
  • Tooth loosening
  • Tooth loss

The sooner you recognize and treat gum recession, the better your chances of preserving your appearance and oral health. Your dental care providers also check for gum recession during your regular exams and teeth cleaning appointments. 

How is gum recession treated?

St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants offers tissue grafting surgery. During a gum grafting procedure, the experienced team removes tissue from one part of your mouth, often the roof of the mouth, and then moves it into an area where you need gum reinforcement. 

The team sutures the gum tissue in place. Over time, the donor site heals and the new gum tissue merges with the existing tissue to create the appearance and function you need. 

After your gum recession treatment, the team gives you specific guidelines to follow in your recovery. In the first few days after your surgery, it’s extremely important to brush carefully, avoid rinsing, abstain from smoking, follow a soft diet, and follow the other rules according to the team’s directions. 

Your gum health plays a big role in your general oral health, so St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants is there to help you restore and preserve your gums using cutting-edge procedures. 

Call the office in your area or click the online appointment maker to book your visit with the expert periodontists now.