Davis Dentist | Managing Exposed Roots as a Result of Gum Recession

Posted on by ignyous

Teeth roots are not covered and protected by enamel. When exposed due to gum recession, they are at high risk for sensitivity especially to cold and during professional dental cleaning, erosion leaving defects at the gum line, cavities, and even nerve exposure.

Exposed roots with large defects can be protected by tooth colored composite resin bonding:

Exposed roots with large defects - before Exposed roots with large defects - after

Exposed roots that develop cavities are treated by conventional tooth colored composite fillings:

Exposed roots that develop cavities - before Exposed roots that develop cavities - after

Exposed roots with minimal defects and no cavities can be covered by gum grafts:

Exposed roots with gum grafts - before Exposed roots with gum grafts - after

(Gum graft photos are courtesy of gum specialist Dr. David Jolkovsky, Davis, CA)

Gum recession generally has multiple contributing factors occurring at the same time, such as genetics, aggressive brushing, gum infection, history of braces, clenching and grinding, and local trauma. Taking measures to control some of these factors reduces the chance of having gum recession.

Samer S. Alassaad, DDS, FAGD