BGZ Dental Turkey
- January 05, 2024
- 3 min read
- DDS. Fevzi BÜYÜKGEBİZ
Did you know that gum recession occurs in three out of every four adults in the population and, in most cases, does not cause pain? Gum recession is a common condition in adults over the age of 40.
Those who have receding gums and need a denture are in a dilemma as to whether or not they can get one. If you are experiencing such a hesitation, that is, if you are wondering whether you can get a denture even if you have gum recession, we recommend reading this blog post carefully
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is when the gums separate from the teeth and the roots of each tooth become more exposed.
What are the causes of gum recession?
There are many factors that cause gum recession. Let's examine these factors now.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the most common cause of gum recession and leads to gum tissue and bone infection. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, forming plaque. Plaque formation irritates the gums and produces toxins that cause inflammation. The inflammatory process destroys the gum tissues, causing them to separate from the tooth and form cavities called pockets. The pockets hold more bacteria, which makes the problem worse.
The causes of periodontal disease are
Genetic predisposition:
People with a history of periodontal disease in either parent may be more prone to this disease due to genetic predisposition.
Immune system diseases:
Immune system diseases, such as AIDS or leukemia, can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Use of immunosuppressive medications:
The use of immunosuppressants such as antidepressants, birth control pills, etc. can affect gum tissue and increase the risk of disease.
Diabetes, Down syndrome, and Crohn's disease:
Uncontrolled diabetes can be both a cause and a consequence of periodontal disease. Certain disorders, such as Down syndrome and Crohn's disease, are some of the factors that can cause or contribute to periodontal disease.
Dental plaque and bacterial accumulation
The most common cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. Over time, plaque builds up along the gum line and turns into tartar, leading to inflammation of the gums.
Inadequate oral hygiene
Not brushing and flossing regularly leads to a failure to remove bacterial plaque. This can lead to gingivitis and, in advanced stages, periodontal disease.
Vitamin deficiency:
Especially vitamin C deficiency can negatively affect gum health and pave the way for gum diseases.
Hormonal changes:
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, puberty, or menstrual cycles can cause gums to become more sensitive.
Periodontal disease covers the following stages:
Early stage:
The early stage of periodontal disease is a diagnosis of gum disease called gingivitis. This is characterized by red or swollen gums that bleed easily and can be reversed by treatment by a dentist.
Periodontitis:
If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontitis, a condition in which the bone and soft tissues supporting the teeth are destroyed, turns into gum disease. In periodontitis, the advanced stage of periodontal disease, a pocket containing bacteria forms between the teeth and gums. The gums and connective tissues move away from the teeth. Eventually, further inflammation by bacteria occurs. In advanced stages of periodontitis, teeth may become loose, fall out, or need to be extracted by a dentist.
Bruxism
Excessive pressure on the teeth and gum support tissues can damage them. Teeth grinding creates large pockets where bacteria can collect between the teeth and gums. These microorganisms cause gum irritation and can increase gum recession.
Tobacco Use
Using tobacco products causes gum disease to progress faster. Studies have shown that smokers are twice as likely to experience gum recession as non-smokers.
Traumatic brushing:
Aggressive brushing can damage the gums and cause gum recession. Overbrushing can cause gum recession and inflammation. Applying too much pressure when brushing the teeth, using a hard or medium-bristled toothbrush, and brushing the teeth in wide, horizontal movements are all types of brushing that can cause gum recession.
Stress:
Stress can also increase the risk of periodontal disease because it weakens the immune system, reducing the body's ability to fight infections.
Trauma:
If the gums and gum tissue are exposed to direct trauma, the gums may recede after receiving trauma
Poorly made dentures and fillings
Inappropriate dentures, fillings, and dental restorations can make oral hygiene difficult and pave the way for gum diseases.
Aging:
Periodontitis, which can also be caused by aging-related factors, is the cause of 70% of tooth loss in adults over 40 years of age. Age-related gum recession is caused by the body's normal aging process. As age progresses, constant exposure to germs and other substances damages the alveolar bone and soft tissue.
What happens if receding gums are not treated?
When gum recession is left untreated, the factor causing gum recession will not be eliminated, and gum recession will progress. Then, the teeth begin to become movable. If the problem is not corrected at this point, the teeth begin to fall out, resulting in tooth loss.
In which case should you see a dentist immediately if you suspect gum recession?
If gum recession is treated before it progresses, oral health is protected, and more complex procedures are not necessary. If you encounter any of the following situations, you should be examined by a dentist immediately and have gum recession treated.
- If you notice bleeding gums, tenderness, redness, or swelling of the gums.
- If you feel loosening of your teeth.
- If the roots of your teeth are exposed.
- If you notice that your gums are receding.
How are receding gums treated?
When gum recession is diagnosed, the factors that cause gum recession and the stage of gum recession are also determined. If it is at an early stage, you can apply the methods recommended by the dentist. The dentist will perform the treatment if the underlying cause of gum recession is advanced plaque formation or periodontal disease.
Application of the methods recommended by the dentist by the patient:
Brushing your teeth correctly:
- Brushing your teeth regularly with the right technique is an effective way to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Place the toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle to the tooth and gum line. This helps to remove plaque that accumulates along the gum line.
- Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth with circular and gentle movements. On the inner surfaces, use up-and-down movements to remove plaque.
Use of antibacterial mouthwashes:
Antibacterial mouthwashes promote oral hygiene and reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. They play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, reducing the risk of gingivitis or infection and speeding up healing.
Treatments performed by a dentist:
Dental hygiene:
Removal of plaque and calculus by the dentist can prevent the progression of gingival recession.
Curettage and root surface smoothing
The dentist may use curettage to remove inflamed tissues under the gums and accumulated bacterial plaque and tartar or root planing to clean and smooth the surface of the tooth root to prevent bacteria from re-depositing.
Surgical method:
If gum recession is advanced, surgical interventions may be necessary: Surgical methods include:
Grafts:
Gum grafting is a procedure that uses tissue, usually from the patient's palate, to cover root surfaces exposed by gum recession. Regenerative procedures such as special proteins, tissue growth factors, or bone grafts can be used to rebuild the amount of bone or tissue lost under the recession.
Pocket reduction surgery:
It is applied to clean and reduce deep gum pockets.
Laser application:
Laser technology can be used to remove the bacteria that cause gum recession and preserve healthy tissue. This method is usually less painful, and the healing process is faster.
Filling or Veneers Applications
If the tooth roots are exposed as a result of gum recession, the exposed areas can be covered with materials that are compatible with tooth color. If there are aesthetic concerns, veneers can be applied to improve the appearance of the tooth.
Orthodontic Treatment
If gum recession is caused by misalignment of the teeth, orthodontic treatment can be applied to put the teeth in the correct position.
Can dentures be fitted to receding gums?
After reading the information above about the causes and stages of gum recession, you may be thinking about how dentures can be applied if there is gum recession. When we say that dentures can be applied even if you have gum recession, you may be surprised and ask how this can happen. Yes, if you have gum recession and gum recession is not caused by periodontal disease, you can use dentures. Usually, gum recession does not affect your ability to wear dentures; in fact, dentures can even replace lost gum tissue. However, if the gum recession is caused by a serious gum disease, you will most likely need treatment first to prevent the condition from getting worse.
To make a decision, you will also need to know the type of denture to be applied and the effect of the denture type on gum recession. Another issue is deciding whether to wear a denture before or after gum treatment. First, let's look at the types of dentures and their connection to gum recession.
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Full Dentures |
These are gum-fitting prostheses used in cases where all teeth are missing. |
If it puts too much pressure on the gums, it can increase recession. If it fits well, it can protect the gums by evenly distributing the pressure on them. |
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Partial Dentures |
They are prostheses that are placed in the areas where there are missing teeth and attached to other teeth with hooks. |
Misaligned hooks can damage gum tissue. Without proper care, they can increase the risk of inflammation and recession. |
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Implant-supported Dentures |
These are dentures that are fixed or fitted to implants placed in the jawbone. |
It does not cause gum recession because it provides stability between the bone and the implant. Incorrect placement can lead to gingivitis. |
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Fixed Bridges |
These are dentures that are fixed to natural teeth or implants to replace missing teeth. |
It does not directly cause gum recession, but poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of inflammation and recession. |
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Temporary Dentures |
Removable dentures used temporarily during treatment. |
Since it is temporary, long-term use may cause irritation and recession of the gums. |
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Complementary Dentures (Overlay) |
These are dentures that fit partly on the teeth and partly on the gums. |
If it is not placed correctly on the gum, it may cause recession. When a good fit is achieved, it can prevent recession by reducing pressure. |
What types of dentures can be used for receding gums?
The best denture for you will depend on your gum health, your overall oral health, your personal preferences, and the number of remaining teeth. It is important to use dentures that are specially designed by the dentist to fit receding gums.
What if the gum recession is caused by advanced periodontal disease and I wear a denture without treatment?
If gum recession is caused by advanced periodontal disease, it is important to get appropriate treatment immediately. Gum disease is progressive, and the gums can continue to recede even after dentures have been fitted, and the infection can spread to other tissues, such as the jawbone.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dentures for receding gums?
Advantages:
- Provides a more natural smile by correcting the appearance of long teeth caused by receding gums.
- By replacing teeth lost due to gum recession, it restores the ability to chew and speak that has been lost due to gum recession.
- Properly designed dentures can prevent the progression of existing recession by applying even pressure to the gums.
- Dentures can help maintain hygiene more easily by covering root surfaces that have become sensitive due to receding gums.
- They are removable, making them easy to maintain.
Disadvantages:
- Improperly fitted dentures can cause irritation and inflammation of the gums.
- Constant pressure of the denture on the gums or underlying bone can increase recession.
- Over time, the fit of dentures may decrease, which can lead to gum problems.
- Plaque and bacteria that accumulate under the dentures can lead to gum infections and disease.
F.A.Q.
Am I a good candidate for dentures?
An ideal candidate for dentures should have adequate gum tissue and good jawbone structure. However, even if you have receding gums, your dentist should still assess whether dentures are suitable for you.
Do dentures need a fixed base?
To fit dentures, you need to have a stable base; otherwise, the dentures may not fit or function properly. Dentures without a firm and stable base can lead to an uneven bite, discomfort, and even speech problems.
Do I have enough gums to support a denture?
Before exploring denture options, you should get an evaluation from your dentist.
What happens if you don't have enough gum for dentures?
If you don't have enough gum for dentures, there are ways around it. Consider some of these options.
- Dental implants
- Implant-supported dentures
- Partial dentures
Can major dental work cause gum recession?
However, gum recession is unlikely to occur after a major dental treatment. Diş Etleri
How long should the gums heal before dentures?
The healing time of the gums before dentures usually varies between 4 and 8 weeks. However, this period may vary depending on the type of procedure and the general health of the person.
Will wearing dentures make my receding gums worse?
Properly fitted dentures should not worsen gum recession. However, ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and contribute to gum problems if left untreated.
Do partial dentures cause gum recession?
A good-quality set of well-fitted partial dentures will not cause gum recession.
How often should I visit my dentist if my gums are receding and I wear dentures?
Regular dental examinations, usually every six months, are essential to monitor your oral health, assess the fit of your dentures and address any concerns promptly.
What is a hybrid denture?
A hybrid denture is a type of implant denture designed to increase the support and strength of your dentures. Hybrid dentures also fit over the teeth and gums, are fixed to the dental implant with screws, and cannot be removed without the help of an implant dentist.
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