Receding Gums

Gum recession isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it also leaves the roots of teeth painfully exposed and sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. There are a number of things which could cause gum recession, including tooth misalignment and genetics, but the reason is usually periodontal disease. If so, the treatments range from routine to requiring the attention of a periodontal specialist.

Healthy gums form snug pockets around tooth roots. But there’s always space for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, and if they cause the surrounding tissue to corrode, they will have room to expand to. During deep cleanings, dentists and hygienists remove the decay-causing plaque, but something must be done about the enlarged pockets and exposed tooth roots or the problem will simply return. Scaling and root planing are standard ways of combating plaque, but reducing gum pockets and covering bone requires cutting a flap in the gums. Usually, this requires only a single incision and a suture to hold the flap in place. The most severe cases are the ones periodontal specialists are called in for to do a gum graft. This could involve either a transplant or the use of artificial gum material.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163rd St, Suite 110, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.