The roots of the teeth are exposed: why it happens, what to do

Recession (recession) of the gums: why do the roots of the teeth become exposed and what to do about it?

If you notice that one or several teeth at once have exposed roots, you need to urgently consult a dentist. With age, gums inevitably recede, weaken, and lose their former strength and elasticity. But if the case has nothing to do with age-related changes, it is important to determine the exact cause of the pathological phenomenon. Be that as it may, you cannot ignore the situation, but you also need to approach solving the problem wisely. Further in this article we will analyze in detail the possible preconditions for gum recession, that is, its receding, and also consider modern methods of treating diseases of the mucous membrane and ways to eliminate aesthetic defects.

How dangerous is the problem - what complications can it lead to?

First, the neck of the tooth is exposed, but after that the root is also exposed. As a result, the periodontal tissues become weak, also decrease in size and do not hold the tooth well, which is why it begins to wobble. Even before it falls out, deformation of the entire dentition occurs, and there is a high probability of chipping and fracture of the crown, because in the cervical area the enamel is too thin to cope with the constant chewing load.

Another almost inevitable consequence of gum recession is a wedge-shaped defect. As a result, the gingival margin adjacent to the tooth acquires a V-shape, which generally spoils the aesthetics of the dentition. To avoid complications, you need to see a doctor in a timely manner, identify the cause of the problem, eliminate it and correct the aesthetic defect.

The photo shows a wedge-shaped defect

How does tooth root exposure occur?

The structure of any tooth involves the visible part, that is, the crown, neck and root system. In some pathological processes and phenomena, the soft tissues of the oral cavity weaken, become thinner and droop, exposing the necks and roots of the teeth. This situation is typical for various inflammatory diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, degenerative changes in the mucosa, systemic pathologies and hormonal imbalances. In addition, recession often develops against the background of an incorrect bite, a frenulum that is too short, or after poor-quality dental treatment.

Exposure of tooth roots almost always occurs simultaneously with the formation of periodontal pockets. The gums lag slightly at the base of the crown, and bacteria begin to accumulate in the resulting space, which leads to tissue inflammation. This phenomenon accompanies the development of periodontal diseases, therefore complex treatment of periodontitis and periodontal disease involves regular deep cleaning of periodontal pockets from hardened deposits.

The recession goes through several stages of its development, and at the last stage there is a real risk of complete loss of teeth. It is better not to let the situation get to the point where the teeth begin to become loose, and when the first signs of a problem appear, immediately seek advice from a dentist.

How to prevent the development of a defect

If the wedge-shaped defect is not treated, the disease will develop and the tooth will collapse. But treatment methods have their drawbacks, they are not durable enough and do not guarantee that the pathology will not invade neighboring teeth.

To avoid an unpleasant disease, you need to take into account risk factors and take care of your own health and dental condition.

The most important preventive measures:

brush your teeth correctly and choose oral hygiene products;
undergo regular examinations in good dental clinics;
trust dental manipulations only to a trusted orthodontist;
correct the bite in time;
promptly treat periodontal diseases;
exclude soda and sour juices. Eat fresh foods containing enough vitamins and minerals;
promptly identify and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous and endocrine systems.

The main symptoms that accompany gum recession

When gums recede due to natural processes associated with aging, the first signs of recession usually appear in the area of the front teeth of the lower jaw. If this phenomenon has a pathological basis, it is most often accompanied by the following accompanying symptoms:

tooth pain in the root area,
swelling of the mucous membrane,
redness of the soft tissues near the diseased tooth,
bleeding, which increases with mechanical stress.

In later stages, more serious symptoms arise: from bad breath to basal inflammation, pathological mobility, and even complete loss of teeth. It is better to start treatment at an early stage than to have to spend your entire life treating the chronic form.

Why roots may become exposed - common causes

This symptom occurs in a wide variety of clinical cases, which indicates a large number of potential causes of recession. The most common prerequisites can be divided into several independent categories - a little more about each below.

1. Insufficient or, on the contrary, excessive hygiene

Irregular brushing of teeth leads to the appearance of a dense yellow coating on the enamel, as well as hard deposits above and below the gums - it is no longer possible to remove them on your own. Gradually, tartar will grow, which will inevitably lead to the formation of periodontal pockets and a lowering of the mucosal level. To avoid this, it is enough to maintain hygiene and regularly visit a dental hygienist for a professional cleaning procedure.

The same result can be caused by too intense brushing and using an unsuitable brush; it is better to consult your dentist about the choice of hygiene products.

Malocclusions

Malocclusion often leads to irrational distribution of chewing load, which over time negatively affects the condition of periodontal tissues. In this case, the patient may initially be prone to inflammatory or dystrophic processes. With such a clinical picture, even a child will be diagnosed with the initial stage of recession, and to eliminate this defect will have to undergo a course of orthodontic treatment.

This category of prerequisites also includes a frenulum that is too short, which literally pulls back the gums and leads to gradual exposure of the roots. Sometimes recession is only a consequence of too thin mucosal tissues or roots close to it - and this will only be an anatomical feature of a particular patient.

Recession can also be caused by orthodontic treatment, for example due to increased pressure on the teeth when wearing braces or as a result of poor hygiene.

Inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues – gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease

Usually it all starts with superficial inflammation of the gums - gingivitis. If you do not pay due attention to this problem in time, the pathological process will very quickly spread to deeper layers, which will lead to the development of periodontitis. Periodontal disease in its true meaning involves dystrophic destruction of mucosal tissue, that is, without obvious signs of inflammation. But such a clinical picture is very rare, so this disease today is more often considered as a complication of advanced periodontitis or its long-term treatment.

It must be recognized that it is impossible to completely eliminate inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues once and for life. However, it is always possible to achieve a stable condition and further maintain it with regular care and systematic prof. examinations at the dentist. Only the treatment must be comprehensive, and you should not expect a quick result. The treatment regimen must be developed individually and necessarily taking into account the stage of the pathological process. A good course of treatment lasts about a year, during which the patient must systematically visit a specialist, undergo therapeutic and restorative procedures, and conscientiously follow all the instructions of his attending physician. Only such an integrated approach can guarantee a positive prognosis.

Iatrogenic causes - medical errors

Sometimes the roots of teeth become exposed due to poor quality dental treatment. The reason may be unsuccessful administration of anesthesia, violation of tooth preparation technique, or incorrectly fixed crown or bridge. In some cases, the initial stage of recession is diagnosed after orthodontic treatment with braces, when the doctor incorrectly calculated the force of pressure on the dentition or wanted to speed up the course.

Abundant subgingival calculus

Large accumulations of hardened deposits in the cervical and root areas can be the result of severely neglected hygiene or an aggressive course of inflammatory periodontal diseases. As mentioned above, this leads to the fact that the gums begin to move slightly away from the surface of the teeth and their roots, forming periodontal pockets. As a result of pathological processes, the nutrition of the mucous membrane sharply deteriorates, the tissues weaken and begin to decrease in volume - a recession occurs.

These are just some of the potential causes - the most common. Often, the roots of teeth become exposed due to sudden hormonal changes, for example, during pregnancy or menopause. The symptom can also be triggered by a malfunction of the thyroid gland, for example, with the development of diabetes mellitus. When a defect is observed in the area of one tooth, it may be the result of trauma.

Treatment with medications at home

At the first manifestations of exposure of the neck of the tooth, you can do without surgery. But in any case, you should not self-medicate: all medications must be prescribed by a dentist. Thus, the patient is required to regularly use antiseptic solutions:

Furacelina;
Chlorhexidine;
Miramistina.

If there is swelling of the gums and their redness, you will need special ointments and gels: Metrogil Denta, Kamistad, Cholisal. Special attention should be paid to the selection of toothpaste. It should help relieve inflammation. Biomed, ROCS and Lakalut have proven themselves well.

The appearance of pus is considered a terrible symptom. In this case, you cannot postpone a visit to the doctor for a single day! In this case, the inflammatory process can only be stopped with antibiotics.

What diagnostics are required?

Treatment can begin only after a thorough diagnosis. During a visual examination, the doctor assesses the degree of exposure of the roots and records the depth and width of the recession. If the loss of soft tissue is significant, the patient must be sent for an x-ray examination, because often with severe periodontal inflammation, the pathological process spreads to the bone tissue and leads to its atrophy.

Types of dental root exposure

In addition, it is x-rays that make it possible to determine the class of recession:

1st class: the gums recede slightly, exposing the yellowish necks of the teeth,
2nd class: there is a displacement of the edge of the mucosa within 2-4 mm towards the root, the tissues in the area of the interdental septa turn pale,
3rd class: the mucous membrane completely exposes the necks of the teeth,
4th grade: there is a pronounced loss of mucous and bone tissue, x-rays show its atrophy. The neck along with the root protrudes from under the gum, and the spaces between the teeth become wider and more noticeable.

It is important to determine what exactly caused the recession, and symptomatic therapy can already be prescribed based on the diagnosis. For this reason, independent attempts to cope with the problem do not produce results, and sometimes even provoke complications.

Diet for exposing the necks of teeth

There is an opinion that at the first signs of periodontal disease, and even more so, exposure of the necks of the teeth, you need to urgently give up any solid food. Indeed, there is no need to injure inflamed gums. But at the same time, the World Health Organization does not even recognize periodontal disease as a disease, considering it only a consequence of insufficient chewing load.

Therefore, in cases where gum recession is mild, immediately after inflammation is relieved, you should think about your diet: enrich it with whole nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables. It is important to regularly give your gums a workout. And in the autumn-winter period, do not neglect vitamin complexes, which must contain vitamins A, D and B9.

Methods for treating recession

Treatment tactics are chosen based on the stage of the pathology and the characteristics of the clinical picture. When diagnosing class 1 and 2 recession, it is usually sufficient to remove plaque and hardened deposits, teach the patient the correct technique for brushing teeth and select appropriate hygiene products. Antiseptic rinses and vitamins are prescribed as conservative therapy. As part of a comprehensive prof. hygiene, soothing and regenerating hydrogels should be used, fixing a collagen resorbable membrane, which will strengthen and saturate the mucosal tissue with natural nutritional components.

In advanced cases, treatment with the Vector device, gum curettage, patch surgery and a course of plasma lifting may be required. If the neck of a tooth under an artificial crown is exposed, re-prosthetics is most often required. Read on to learn more about how to properly treat recession.

1. Conservative therapy in the early stages

As part of the conservative treatment of class 1 and 2 recession, a comprehensive prof. hygiene: cleaning from soft plaque and hardened deposits, including in the root area, remineralization and fluoridation of enamel, strengthening and saturation of gum tissue with the help of special hydrogels and collagen membranes to stimulate cell growth and renewal.

For better cleaning of shallow pockets, the Vector device is used - under the influence of ultrasonic waves, tartar is destroyed more easily and quickly, which makes the procedure more effective. If the pockets are deep enough, closed or open curettage is performed. The latter is a full-fledged operation, and this technique can hardly be classified as conservative therapy. However, curettage is an integral step in the complex treatment of periodontitis and periodontal disease.

As part of the procedure, the doctor peels off a flap of the mucous membrane and gains unhindered access to the cervical and root areas, performs thorough cleaning of hardened deposits and antiseptic treatment of the tissues. Curettage is often performed in conjunction with cleaning with the Vector apparatus and flap surgery. Sometimes in such cases it is necessary to additionally splint loose teeth using fiberglass thread.

For self-rinsing, patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial solutions: Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, Furacilin or, for example, Rotokan. If purulent discharge occurs, antibiotics are prescribed: Amoxicillin, Lincomycin, Ciprofloxacin, etc. - only as prescribed by a doctor. In addition, the specialist must give recommendations on following a certain diet, using a special paste and a brush with soft bristles.

Flap operations

When diagnosing class 3 and 4 recession with a noticeable lowering of the mucosal level, surgical intervention is required. Let's start with the fact that if the cause of the symptom is a shortened frenulum, appropriate plastic surgery is performed. In other cases, vestibuloplasty is performed to hide a visible defect: the doctor dissects the gum and base, after which the mucosal flap is slightly pulled to a new location.

As part of the operation, donor material can be used - a flap of tissue taken from the patient from other areas of the oral cavity, including from the palatal area. After such an intervention, a rather long rehabilitation period inevitably follows, during which the patient may experience some discomfort. The doctor will definitely prescribe appropriate medications, including antibiotics, rinses and applications with antiseptic and wound-healing effects.

Plasmolifting – resorbable membranes

The technique involves the targeted injection of the patient’s own blood plasma into problem areas of the mucous membrane - a substance rich in platelets, which effectively stimulate the regenerative functions of soft tissues. First, the patient needs to undergo a general clinical blood test to identify possible contraindications - 1-2 days before the procedure. At the next appointment, the specialist takes venous blood from the patient, places it in a test tube, and then in a centrifuge. The device literally separates the blood into separate fractions in 15-30 minutes. After this, the doctor injects the resulting autoplasma into the patient’s gums through an injection or using a resorbable, that is, self-resorbable APFR membrane. The course usually includes from 2 to 3-5 procedures.

Treatment at the dentist

If the pathological process has not yet covered a large area, treatment may be limited to:

carrying out deep fluoridation;
installing a filling on the root area;
laser cleaning of areas affected by tartar;
installation of dental crowns or veneers.

But most often, when patients come to the dental clinic, the disease has already reached the stage when only surgical treatment methods can help. Their goal: to close the exposed neck of the tooth and restore the natural contour of the gums.

Patchwork method

The most common treatment option that dentists and their patients appreciate for the short recovery period. It consists of transplanting a flap of tissue from the same gum or palate to the affected area. The disadvantages of the method include a feeling of discomfort in the area from which the tissue for transplantation was taken and a possible discrepancy in the color of the gum and the borrowed flap.

Tissue regeneration method

In this case, a membrane is introduced into the affected area, which stimulates the growth of the patient's own soft tissue. When the natural contour of the gum is restored, another operation is performed to remove the membrane. This method of gum reconstruction is very effective, but it frightens patients with the need for repeated surgical intervention.

Fortunately, technology does not stand still, and today more and more dental clinics can offer the implantation of a resorbable (absorbable) membrane. It does not require a second operation, making tissue regeneration an ideal treatment for gum recession.

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What does traditional medicine offer?

Thoughtless use of traditional medicine will not only not help solve the problem, but will also speed up the pathological process or even lead to complications. Therefore, all kinds of rinsing with decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs must be agreed upon with the attending physician. Such prescriptions are used as maintenance therapy, but not as primary treatment. The tips described below are considered the most effective.

Gargling with decoctions

A decoction of St. John's wort is an excellent remedy that not only has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, but also promotes rapid healing of wound surfaces, strengthens mucosal tissue and increases its regenerative capabilities. To prepare a decoction, just add 2-3 tablespoons of dry herb to 300 ml of boiled water. The mixture should sit for some time, after which it can be filtered and used for rinsing.

Compresses with the addition of medicinal herbs

Excellent natural antiseptics are chamomile, calendula and sage. They not only destroy pathogenic microorganisms, but also effectively soothe inflamed tissues, relieve pain, and help improve trophism in the mucous membrane. To prepare a compress, you need to pour boiling water over the mixture of the above listed herbs and leave for a couple of hours until it cools completely. The resulting herbal mixture should be wrapped in a small piece of gauze and applied to the sore spot.

Gum massage

A light massage effectively stimulates blood circulation in soft tissues, improves their nutrition, strengthens and helps speed up recovery. It is enough to use light pressure to walk along the entire length of the alveolar ridge on the upper and lower jaws. In this case, you should not put too much pressure on the mucous membrane, so as not to accidentally injure it. You can increase the effectiveness of the massage using eucalyptus or mint oil.

If periodontitis or periodontal disease is to blame - only comprehensive treatment

The development of periodontitis is accompanied by the spread of inflammatory processes to periodontal tissue. Periodontal disease leads to a decrease in gum volume and rapid atrophy of the oral mucosa due to degenerative processes rather than inflammatory ones. In its “pure” form, this pathology is extremely rare - in 3-5% of cases. Today, it is more often considered as a complication of an advanced form of periodontitis or a consequence of its long-term treatment against the background of the aggressive course of the pathology itself. In both cases, an integrated approach to treatment is required, and it is better for the patient to immediately prepare for long-term therapy.

The treatment regimen for each patient should be worked out taking into account the individual characteristics of his clinical picture and the stage of development of the disease. Typically, such a course lasts about a year, during which some procedures are carried out once, others in a course of up to 10 visits. The complex may include the following therapeutic and preventive measures:

diagnostics - computed tomography, tests, microflora culture, etc. diagnostic measures,
comprehensive hygiene – removal of plaque and hard deposits, polishing and fluoridation of enamel, strengthening of mucosal tissues through the application of special hydrogels and a collagen membrane with extracts of medicinal herbs,
splinting in case of mobility of some teeth,
closed curettage (for pocket depths up to 4 mm) and open (for greater depths) in combination with treatment and polishing of the root surface,
application of periodontal dressings with a pronounced healing effect,
plasmolifting,
injection vitamin therapy,
laser therapy to stimulate the restoration of soft tissue cells,
the use of medications based on hyaluronic acid to nourish the mucous membrane and stimulate its natural restoration (Revident and Revident+),
fixation of collagen membranes (Creos from Nobel) and APRF membranes based on the patient’s own blood (an alternative to injection plasma lifting),
the use of drugs to stimulate the growth of soft tissue (Straumann Emdogain),
use of bone volume replenishment products (BoneCeramic from Straumann, Bio-Oss)
training in the correct cleaning technique, selection of individual hygiene products, regular visits to the periodontist for preventive examinations.

Periodontitis is a chronic pathology, which is virtually impossible to cure completely. However, within a year of comprehensive treatment and restoration of gums, acute symptoms can be reliably relieved and stable remission can be achieved. However, you will have to continue to maintain the achieved effect, and for this you need to visit your specialist once every six months and carry out maintenance therapy according to his indications.

Stages of development of a wedge-shaped defect

The wedge-shaped defect develops gradually. The following stages of process development can be distinguished:

First changes in enamel. A small area at the base of the tooth darkens slightly and loses its shine. Over time, it will develop pigmentation. At this stage, the future defect can only be seen using a special device.
Superficial lesion. At the base of the tooth there is a noticeable crack, at its widest part not exceeding 3.5 mm. The gums sag, the neck of the tooth is exposed. The patient is uncomfortable with food that is too hot or cold, but the pain quickly goes away.
Progressive stage. The wedge-shaped defect deepens to 4 mm, becomes yellowish-brown, matte. The shape of the triangle is already clearly visible - the two affected planes of the tooth converge at an angle of 45 degrees. Teeth react painfully to temperature stimuli and acidic foods. It is painful for the patient to brush his teeth. He feels the defect as a kind of step at the base of the tooth, where the remains of soft food are retained. At this stage, the diseased tooth is already noticeable to others when smiling and talking.
Launched form. The enamel becomes thinner, dentin is affected, and in difficult cases, even the pulp. The wedge deepens to 0.5 cm, the neck of the tooth is exposed. If the destruction reaches the pulp, the neurovascular bundle of the tooth becomes inflamed. Acute paroxysmal pain appears, the tooth reacts to the temperature and taste of food, touch, the chewing process and causes a lot of inconvenience.

How to strengthen gums - prevention

To prevent root exposure, it is important to ensure proper prevention of soft tissue recession. To do this, you need to carefully monitor your oral health, brush your teeth twice a day, and do it correctly and with the help of an individually selected brush and paste. Twice a year you need to visit the dentist for prophylaxis and prof. hygiene, treat pathological processes in a timely manner, correct bite defects or the consequences of poor-quality treatment.

Proper comprehensive hygiene involves not only removing plaque and deposits, but also fluoridation and necessarily strengthening the gums. After cleaning, the mucous membrane is treated with a special disinfecting solution, as well as a soothing hydrogel with regenerating properties. The final chord is a special collagen membrane - impregnated with extracts of natural medicinal plants. It nourishes and saturates the soft tissues, and after some time it dissolves on its own, without causing any discomfort to the patient.

If you seek help in time when you detect the first signs of recession, the prognosis for treatment will be very favorable. Elimination of the primary cause of the symptom leads to recovery in 95% of cases. Unfortunately, in the remaining 5%, relapses can occur even after surgery, which indicates the need to change treatment tactics1. In any case, exposure of tooth roots is a serious problem, and under no circumstances should it be ignored.