Home/Procedures & Treatments/Laser Periodontics & Gum Treatments/Receding Gums Treatment

When the gum line begins to recede or separate from the teeth, this is a condition known as gum recession. Although very common, if receding gums are left untreated, the issue can progress, exposing more of the tooth root. Since the root does not have the hard enamel covering like that of the tooth crown, this can make your teeth especially vulnerable to becoming sensitive, forming decay, and eventually becoming loose. In addition, receding gums may indicate a more severe issue is already present, such as gum disease, which is caused by harmful bacteria forming between the gums and teeth in “periodontal pockets.”

Our board-certified periodontal specialist, Dr. Daniel Lauer, has dedicated his career to the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the gums and other structures surrounding the teeth. Gum recession is one of the issues he frequently treats at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Dr. Lauer utilizes advanced, minimally invasive solutions to provide effective treatment with significantly less discomfort than traditional gum grafting—a procedure that requires taking a donation of gum tissue typically from the palate and transplanting it onto the area of recession.

Causes of Receding Gums

Gum recession can happen to people at any age and can even occur in those who take good care of their teeth. Some people are especially vulnerable to the problem, as they have naturally thin or weak gum tissue. To determine the best treatment for your receding gums, Dr. Lauer will first need to determine the cause. Some of the most common include the following:

  • Tartar buildup due to poor dental hygiene
  • Periodontal disease
  • Trauma to the gums
  • Excessive force caused by teeth clenching and grinding
  • Abnormal wear due to misaligned teeth
  • Aggressive teeth brushing
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“I have been a patient of Dr. Lauer’s for maybe 10 years. He’s saved me more than once, getting my gums back from the brink to happy and healthy”

Katherine D. | Actual Patient

Treating Gum Recession

If there are any preliminary issues that are causing gums to recede, these may need to be addressed before the actual recession can be treated. Mild cases of gum recession can typically be treated with non-invasive options. For example, bite adjustments or a bite guard can prevent further receding by addressing excess force potentially causing the problem. For moderate to severe gum attachment loss, Dr. Lauer may recommend a combination of laser gum treatment and Emdogain. By combining these two solutions, he can accomplish optimal results without the invasiveness of traditional periodontal surgery.

Laser Gum Treatment

Utilizing the Waterlase® MD laser technology, Dr. Lauer can perform a non-surgical periodontal pocket elimination procedure. This is the ideal method for removing plaque and tartar, which ultimately helps reduce the depth of periodontal pockets and prevents debris from getting trapped. Laser periodontal therapy works to address the issue of gums pulling away from the teeth, sealing this gap and stimulating the natural healing process.

Emdogain Regenerative Gum Therapy

Emdogainis a well-researched and well-regarded non-invasive method of treating receding gums. The solution is a regenerative gum therapy that helps both the gum tissue and receding bone to regrow in the affected area. After laser treatment is performed to the affected areas, Dr. Lauer will apply the Emdogain gel, which contains enamel matrix proteins, to the affected teeth and gums. Within a few weeks, the tissue should begin to repair itself.

Contact Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

To learn more about receding gums and the best method for treating your unique case, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lauer.