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 San Diego, CA.
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 Mission Valley Dental Arts at 619-805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
Choosing a kid-friendly dentist is something many parents are doing nowadays, as there are different types of dental professionals that one can choose from. This type of dental professional is one who has chosen to treat kids, as well as adults, which means they have the skills and knowledge necessary to take care of kids'…
If composite fillings are an option you desire, give us a call. We can examine your teeth and find the best choice.Composite fillings are tooth-colored to provide a natural appearance and still remain as effective as other fillings. We use composite fillings to restore teeth and perfect our patient's smiles.Composite FillingsAt Mission Valley Dental Arts…
When you get dental fillings in San Diego, it is always our goal to make sure that we work with you to ensure that you do not have further cavities, or that the cavity we are filling does not continue to enlarge. To do this, we make sure that every dental filling is completed after…
Invisalign® aligners work most effectively when you are consistent with using them. While that sounds simple, there are a lot of ways you might struggle with developing a routine. One of the reasons people like Invisalign aligners so much is because the trays are removable and customizable. But these things can also work against you…
Children often look forward to their teenage years but are rarely excited about getting braces. Fortunately, Invisalign® provides an efficient and faster teeth straightening method without the need for the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. With multiple benefits, Invisalign has become the clear alternative to teen braces. The Invisalign system is a series…
