Gum recession and loss due to periodontal disease are common oral health concerns. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can lead to damage to the gums, bone, and connective tissues that support the teeth. The question many patients and dental professionals face is whether gums can grow back after periodontal disease has caused them to recede or shrink. This article explores this important question and provides clear information on what can be done to restore gum health after periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. It starts as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, which causes redness, swelling, and irritation of the gums. If untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. This stage can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with bacteria and plaque. Over time, the bone and tissue supporting the teeth can become damaged or destroyed.
Causes of Gum Recession from Periodontal Disease
There are several factors that contribute to gum recession due to periodontal disease:
Bacterial Infection: The primary cause of periodontal disease is a buildup of bacteria in plaque and tartar on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, leading to infection and inflammation.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate on teeth and gums. This can lead to gingivitis and, if untreated, progress into periodontitis.
Smoking or Tobacco Use: Tobacco use can significantly increase the risk of gum disease and gum recession. It reduces blood flow to the gums, making them more susceptible to infection and damage.
Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to gum disease, making them more likely to experience gum recession.
Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty, can make the gums more sensitive to infection.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Excessive teeth grinding or clenching can put added pressure on the gums, accelerating gum recession.
Medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth or reduce saliva production, leading to an increased risk of gum disease.
Can Gums Grow Back After Periodontal Disease?
The short answer is that gums cannot fully regenerate once they have been lost due to periodontal disease. However, there are several treatments and interventions that can help restore gum health and prevent further damage.
Why Can’t Gums Fully Regrow?
Gums are made of soft tissue, and once they have receded or been damaged by periodontal disease, they do not have the ability to regenerate in the same way that other tissues, like skin, can heal. While some minor gum recession might be corrected naturally through improved oral hygiene, once the gum tissue has been lost, it will not grow back to its original position.
However, there are methods for restoring gum health and improving the appearance of the gums. These treatments aim to prevent further gum recession, restore lost tissue, or repair damage caused by periodontal disease.
Can Gums Be Repaired or Restored?
Although gums cannot fully regenerate, several dental treatments can help restore gum tissue and improve gum health. The specific treatment option depends on the severity of the gum disease and the extent of gum loss.
1. Scaling and Root Planing
For mild to moderate cases of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be recommended. This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching. While this treatment does not regenerate gum tissue, it helps stop the progression of periodontal disease and can promote healthier gums, allowing them to reattach to the teeth.
2. Gum Grafting (Soft Tissue Grafts)
In cases of advanced gum recession, a gum graft can help restore lost gum tissue. During this procedure, a piece of tissue is taken from another area of the mouth (often the palate) or from a donor source and grafted onto the area where the gums have receded. This procedure can cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall appearance of the gums.
There are different types of gum grafts:
Connective tissue grafts: The most common type, where tissue is taken from under the surface of the roof of the mouth.
Free gingival grafts: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth to cover exposed areas.
Allografts: Donor tissue from a human cadaver can be used for grafting.
Gum grafting does not “regrow” gums, but it can help rebuild gum tissue to cover exposed teeth and improve their health.
3. Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)
The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat gum recession. The dentist makes small holes in the gum tissue and uses special instruments to gently move the gum tissue back to its original position. This technique is less invasive than traditional gum grafting, with a quicker recovery time and minimal discomfort. Although PST does not regrow the gums, it can reposition existing gum tissue and improve gum coverage.
4. Regenerative Procedures (Bone and Tissue Regeneration)
In cases where the periodontal disease has caused significant damage to both the gums and the bone, regenerative procedures may be necessary. These treatments aim to stimulate the growth of new tissue and bone.
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is one such technique. During this procedure, a membrane is placed between the gum and bone to allow new bone and tissue to regenerate. This technique is particularly effective for treating bone loss around teeth, which can help improve gum health.
5. Laser Therapy
Laser treatments, such as laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), can be used to remove infected tissue and promote healing in the gums. Laser therapy can help reduce inflammation, improve gum tissue attachment, and remove bacterial infections from pockets in the gums. While laser therapy does not directly regenerate gum tissue, it can significantly improve gum health and prevent further recession.
Maintaining Gum Health After Treatment
While gum disease treatments can restore gum health and prevent further recession, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene to keep gums healthy. This includes:
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
Using antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and fight bacteria.
Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
Additionally, if you smoke or use tobacco, quitting can significantly improve your gum health and reduce your risk of gum disease.
Conclusion
Although gums cannot fully grow back once they have receded due to periodontal disease, there are various effective treatments that can restore gum health, improve the appearance of your gums, and stop further damage. Gum grafting, laser therapy, scaling and root planing, and other regenerative procedures can help reduce gum recession and improve the overall health of the gums and surrounding tissues.
