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Question:
Best Treatment? I have a number of receding gums around 7 or 8 of my teeth.
My dentist wants to put on composites on the exposed tooth to prevent decay. My periodontist told me that the composites just lead to more regression down the road and that I should get gum grafts or do nothing.
However, my dentist suggests that gum grafts can still recede and that I need the composites to prevent a root canal down the road.
I'm confused to what treatment to do - what's best for my gums or what's best for my teeth? ... Visitor from MD
Answer:
First question that pops into my mind is whether or not "why are you getting the recession"?
Was this addressed? Is it from brushing or is it an occlusal/bite issue? Are you a clencher or bruxer?
If you have unbalanced forces placed on your teeth that can cause the bone to resorb and the gum tissue will follow the bone. Perhaps you need to wear an occlusal appliance at night.
As for the opinions you got from your dentist and periodontist, I would say they are both correct to a limited degree.
If you have a loss of keratinized tissue, then perhaps you may benefit from a soft tissue graft. However, I have seen patients that over time have lost the tissue grafts.
A lot depends upon the skill of the periodontist and how he does the graft. The periodontist I work with does an excellent job of soft tissue grafting.
Now, as far as placing composites on the roots, I would not do it if there is no erosion or abrasive lesions on the roots or tooth sensitivity. Leave them alone, use an electric toothbrush, and prophylactically treat the teeth with fluoride.
Mitchell Pohl, DDS
Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist
2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 105
Boca Raton Florida FL 33431
(561) 368-3440
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