Gum Recession
Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Gum Recession Treatment Washington DC & Alexandria VA
When the gum tissue surrounding your teeth begins to pull back or wear, causing more of your tooth or tooth’s root being exposed, this is referred to as gum recession. Along with the cosmetic impact on your smile, gum recession also puts patients at an increased risk of developing gum disease, which is why it is so important to schedule regular dental checkups. In addition to longer looking teeth and visible roots, some of the most common symptoms of gum recession include increased tooth sensitivity, bleeding, inflammation, and halitosis.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about treatment options for gum recession, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Causes of Gum Recession
To treat gum recession, it will be necessary to first diagnose what is causing your gums to recede. The following are the most common causes of gum recession:
- Aggressive brushing: As important as it is to brush twice daily, it is equally important that you follow appropriate brushing techniques. Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush, or brushing too aggressively can result in the erosion of tooth enamel, which can inflame or irritate gum tissue, resulting in gum recession.
- Poor oral hygiene: If you do not practice consistent and proper oral self-care, plaque can begin to develop in and around your gum, resulting in gum disease, which can cause gum recession.
- Periodontal disease: When gum pockets become deepened due to poor oral hygiene or other factors, periodontal disease can develop, which will cause the gums to continue to recede, and can eventually result in the loss of teeth and/or deterioration of the jawbone.
- Chewing tobacco: All forms of tobacco will have a negative effect on your oral and overall health, but chewing tobacco is the most likely form of tobacco to irritate the lining of your mouth and cause gums to recede.
- Malocclusion: Patients who have an incorrect bite caused by uneven teeth alignment will experience excessive strain, tearing, and wear will on their gums and teeth, which will inevitably result in gum recession.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some patients are genetically predisposed to developing gum disease (and as a result, gum recession). If you have a greater susceptibility to gum disease/recession, the best thing you can do is schedule frequent periodontal maintenance to address and correct issues before they develop into something worse.
Gum Recession Treatment Aftercare
Following your gum recession treatment, you will not have to follow any special aftercare instructions; however, to maximize the benefits of your procedure and avoid developing similar issues in the future, it is imperative that you practice good daily oral hygiene practices. Be sure to brush and floss twice daily and continue scheduling regular visits to your dentist or periodontist. These regular visits ensure that your teeth will receive regular professional cleanings and will reduce your risk of developing issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come!
Treating Gum Recession
The type of treatment you will receive will be informed by the underlying cause of your gum recession, along with your medical and oral health history. If your gum recession is due to aggressive brushing techniques, your periodontist may suggest using a softer toothbrush, and/or instruct you in softer brushing techniques. If gum recession is the result of improper oral hygiene, it may be recommended that you have a deep cleaning
performed and schedule periodontal maintenance on a more frequent basis. If the cause of gum recession is severe calculus, it may be necessary to have a scaling and root planing procedure, gum graft or pinhole surgical technique, and/or gum regeneration to restore the cosmetic appearance of your gum line and prevent additional issues from developing in the future.
Gum Recession Treatment Cost
The cost of treating gum recession will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, what type of procedure is performed, and what type of dental sedation (if any) is used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Dr. Zalewsky is an out-of-network provider for all insurance plans and Dr. Hoge is a participating provider with Delta Dental Insurance. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office, you can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment to treat gum recession, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!