Gingival omission or recession is not only a clear external defect, in the presence of which it is impossible to smile without shame, but also a pathology that causes the loss of healthy teeth. In addition, such a disease is one of the processes of a progressive nature, since over time it can spread to the entire jaw.
Recession inherently means the omission of soft fibers caused by the destruction of bone tissue, as a result of which the roots of the teeth are exposed. Preventing this is entirely possible. However, for this it is necessary to establish the cause of gum prolapse. We will consider treatment below.
Reasons for omission
It is not worth restoring the gum without establishing the exact reason for its omission, since treatment in this case may become useless, as the defect will eventually return. One of the reasons that can affect the onset of a symptom is periodontal pathology:
- periodontal disease;
- severe gingivitis;
- periodontitis.
In addition to soft tissue diseases, another factor is poor oral hygiene, as a result of which accumulation of deposits in the gingival pocket occurs, and a favorable atmosphere for the living of pathogenic microorganisms arises. As a result, the deepening expands, and the toxins that are secreted by bacteria corrode the tissues around them, including bone, and then gum prolapse occurs. Treatment should be timely.
Other triggering factors
In addition, the defect also appears due to other factors:
- Incorrect use of dental floss.
- Incorrect toothbrushing, due to which soft tissue damage occurs.
- The use of hygiene products that are not suitable for humans, for example, a toothpaste containing a lot of abrasive particles, or an old brush.
- Abnormal structure of the oral cavity.
- The prolapse of the alveolar bone due to tooth loss. Since there is no load on this area, metabolic and blood supply disorders occur, leading to prolapse.
- Anomalies of the teeth.
- Incorrect closure of the jaws, for example, a deep bite, when the lower dental arch is covered with the upper, and the gums are affected;
- Designs improperly adjusted by the dentist.
- Caries in the root of the tooth or neck.
- Predisposition due to age, for example, in those who are over 60 years old.
- Due to gnashing of teeth, uncontrollable (bruxism), mainly during sleep.
- Due to hormonal disruptions that occur in women.
- Ascorbic acid deficiency.
- Various bad habits, for example, smoking, nail biting.
After the cause of the omission has been eliminated, you can begin the next stage of therapy, during which it is necessary to lift the soft tissue, thus closing the roots of the teeth. Treating gum prolapse is not an easy process.
Symptoms of omission
At the onset of the disease, it is very difficult to notice the prolapse, unless the tooth or gum started to hurt. That is why most patients discover the development of pathology even when the roots of the teeth are exposed.
Gingival omission, the photo of which is presented below, is recognized by the following signs:
- full or partial exposure of the tooth root;
- gradual lowering of the level of the gums;
- increased dental sensitivity to cold and hot food (this symptom appears after some time);
- the development of tooth decay, which can be accidentally noticed during a preventive visit to a specialist.
Classification
The recession is divided into such types as:
- Physiological . It is the most common and is found in older people (from 60 years old), that is, the disease is caused by aging processes. At the same time, inflammation does not develop, the teeth are resistant, and the roots are clearly visible.
- Traumatic . It is caused by injuries of soft tissues of a mechanical type, for example, due to a brush of high stiffness or hard pieces of food. In this case, inflammation does not occur, bleeding of the gums is not observed, exposure of the roots is insignificant. This kind can be found in patients of any age.
- Symptomatic The reason for it is poor hygiene, as well as chronic gingivitis and periodontitis. Most often, prolapse affects the anterior teeth of the lower row. At the same time, they are loosened, and the gums can bleed and swell.
Depending on the severity, the omission is divided into light (no more than three millimeters), medium (no more than five) and heavy (five or more). Consider how the treatment of gum prolapse is carried out.
Surgical therapy
To successfully treat prolapse, you first need to find out what is causing the disease. Gums need to be raised not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to prevent the risk of tooth decay on the roots of the teeth. As their sensitivity increases, there are problems with the use of food and drinks. Acute pain can occur even during the inhalation of air through the mouth.
Treatment is predominantly chosen surgical, because it brings the most effective result. An operation is performed under local anesthesia (if the case is complex, then it can be used in general) and includes manipulations of the following kind:
- in the place of the gum where there is a pathology, a pair of parallel incisions are made, as a result of which a soft tissue flap is formed;
- treatment of bare root with drugs that help cleanse from bacterial plaque;
- the tissue flap is fixed with sutures so that the gums can rise;
- if the case is severe, and the gums are not enough to lift, then part of the tissue is taken from the palate, and then it is sewn to the right place.
disadvantages
Such a transplant makes it possible to correct even a strong lowering of the lower gum. However, this method has certain disadvantages:
- in the area of the palate where the tissue comes from, discomfort will be felt, and healing will occur after a while;
- due to the color differences of the palate and gums, there are disadvantages from an aesthetic point of view;
- it takes time for the new tissue to take root.
What to do during the recovery period?
After the operation, the patient must follow the instructions given by the doctor. Most often, recovery takes no more than two weeks. During this period, you must:
- apply mouthwashes that fight bacteria and contribute to the speedy healing of soft tissues;
- toothpaste from gum prolapse, which has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- when brushing your teeth, use only a soft brush and go around the area that was operated on;
- not be subjected to high physical exertion;
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke;
- do not eat hot and cold;
- if the pain is severe, then a cold compress can be applied to the cheek or lip, but not to the gum;
- eat soft foods to avoid injuring your gums.
The first time after surgery on soft tissues will be swelling, the patient may feel pain. This is the norm and will pass soon. If for a long time the symptoms do not disappear, you need to consult a specialist, and he, in turn, will prescribe additional therapy. Is treatment for gum prolapse possible at home? About it further.
Other treatments
If there is a prolapse, you should immediately go to the doctor, who will advise how best to treat the pathology. It all depends on the results of the inspection. The following methods may be used.
- Lateral flap . Using this method, you can raise your gums. However, it is used quite rarely, since it is necessary to displace healthy tissues to damaged places. If the defect affects almost the entire jaw, this method is very difficult to apply. But still, treatment of this type has significant advantages. So, you do not need to wait for its result for a long time - it will appear immediately. If all preventive standards are observed, then the chances of a problem returning are minimized. What other remedy for gum prolapse exists?
- Collagen membrane. It is placed on the cortical plate of the alveolar bone in order to restore tissue. As soon as its functions are completed, it should be removed. There are also absorbable materials that dissolve themselves within a certain time, but they cost much more. Thanks to the membrane, about 80% of the tissues are regenerated. Are there any medications to treat gum prolapse?
- Therapy with medication. A similar method is suitable for those patients who are very afraid of surgery. In this case, treatment is aimed at activating the recovery process by injecting enzymes that affect the growth of amelogenin, that is, tooth enamel protein. Thanks to this, restoration of dental roots and connective tissue begins. At the same time, soft tissues are treated with an enamel matrix, which slows down the development of pathology. However, you have to wait a long time for the result. Although it is worth it, and the tissue after restoration will look neat.
If the gum has lowered, experts believe that it is precisely these methods that will solve the problem. In addition, the effect of therapy can be enhanced by combining the treatment of traditional and folk.
So, if gingival prolapse is noted. How to raise? A gel with anti-inflammatory effect may help (Asepta, Metrogil). It is necessary to regularly massage the gums with your fingers using these products.
Alternative methods of treatment
With the help of folk methods, you can not raise the gum. But they can eliminate inflammation and speed up the healing process. The following recipes are the most popular.
Tincture of calamus root and propolis . It is necessary to pour 10 g of propolis with 0.5 l of alcohol, and then leave the mixture for 2 weeks in a dark place. Then you need to crush the root of calamus and perform the same procedure with it. After both mixtures are infused, they are combined in a ratio of 1 to 1. This tincture needs to rinse your mouth no more than three times a day.
Decoctions of various herbs. Chamomile, yarrow, mint, lemon balm and other plants having an anti-inflammatory effect are used. For one tablespoon of the crushed ingredient in a dry form, a glass of water is taken. Then the broth boils for 15-20 minutes, and after it cools, rinse your mouth after all meals. The medicine for gum prolapse should be used regularly.
The use of herbal infusions will have a beneficial effect on the state of tissues. However, you must follow the instructions with precision to avoid gum drooping. And, of course, you need to undergo an examination at the dentist 2 times a year for preventive purposes in order to immediately prevent such pathologies.
Disease prevention
In order to avoid such an ailment as a gum recession, a number of simple rules must be followed. So, if there is a malocclusion, it should be corrected as soon as possible. This can cause not only gum prolapse, but also many other serious pathologies.
You can treat the wrong bite with the help of a huge number of bracket systems, from which you can choose the right ones for each patient after appropriate consultation with the orthodontist.
The next step is to maintain good oral hygiene. It is necessary to brush your teeth twice a day, while the brush should be soft. Do not forget to clean off the accumulated plaque from the tongue and cheeks.
Finally
It is not recommended to eat a lot of sweets and foods that contribute to the destruction of tooth enamel. If possible, microbes should not be allowed to enter the oral cavity, since the mucous membrane has no protection and becomes inflamed due to infection in almost all cases, and this may lead to gingival prolapse.
It is also necessary to have in your diet such products that contain zinc, calcium, vitamins E, D. Elements do not allow periodontal disease to develop.