Gum recession is one of the many conditions that can be treated with the use of composite fillings. Receding gums can reduce confidence in the appearance of a person's smile and increase the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay. Fortunately, with treatment, this condition can often be stopped or reversed.
Gum recession occurs when the gums are pushed back or wear away, exposing the pink tissue that covers the roots of one or more teeth. These exposed roots can lead to an increased risk of tooth infection, decay or loss.
The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease caused by poor oral hygiene. However, even people with good oral hygiene can experience gum recession due to inflammation or inherited factors, such as crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth or thin gums.
Wear and tear on the gums due to aging, brushing too hard or brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush is another common cause. Tobacco use, hormonal fluctuations and damage caused by body piercings can also contribute.
Inherited risk factors and aging cannot be avoided. However, there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of gum recession:
Mild gum recession may not require treatment and can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene. In cases where the recession has caused gaps between teeth or exposed roots, composite fillings may be used to close the gaps or cover exposed roots.
Composite fillings are made from a polymer resin that contains plastic particles. These fillings have traditionally been used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings but can also be used to repair damaged or decayed teeth, close tooth gaps and cover exposed roots.
The dentist begins the process by selecting a shade of resin that closely matches the natural shade of the patient's teeth. The dentist then roughens the surface of the tooth and applies a conditioning liquid. The resin is molded and smoothed to the desired shape, and a special light is used to harden the material.
Once hardened, the material is trimmed, shaped and polished to achieve the desired appearance. The whole process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Composite restoration is one of the least invasive methods of treating gum recession. It is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing because the resin can closely match the natural appearance of the teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Weatherford, TX.
Gum recession can damage the appearance of the smile and lead to painfully sensitive teeth, exposed roots and an increased risk for tooth decay and loss. Composite fillings can be used to improve the appearance of the smile and reduce risk factors caused by gum recession.
Request an appointment or call Millar Family Dentistry at 817-885-5214 for an appointment in our Weatherford office.
Visiting your general dentist for a specific treatment can improve your oral health. The services that you need will depend on your assessment. Knowing the common services available will enable you to make informed decisions about the ones you will get. Here are the common services on offer at your general dentist’s clinic.A general dentist…
General dentists are the number one go-to for preventing and eliminating threats to oral health. While the American Dental Association generally recommends that everyone begin attending biannual appointments at 12 months of age, we understand that some can overlook this. This first checkup can be the beginning of regular biannual appointments to help ensure your…
As part of their mission to keep mouths healthy, a general dentist offers a variety of single-tooth replacement options. Even just missing one tooth can impact your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Single-tooth replacements may be the efficient solution to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile.Losing a single tooth can…