A guide to gum recession:

What it is, why we strive to promptly treat it with grafting

The teeth may be the stars of your smile. But the gums play an essential supporting role. To account for the importance of gum health, Dr. Nazia Ahmed of Pure Dental Care in New York City has developed considerable expertise in periodontal services, including gum grafting.

The problem: Receding gums

The gums that surround and protect our teeth can pull away over time. Often, this “gum recession” is due to untreated gum disease. When this occurs, your smile may look overly “toothy” as more of each tooth’s structure is exposed. These pockets between the teeth and gums can also harbor bacteria and plaque, making existing disease and damage worse.

The solution: Gum grafting

“Grafting” refers to surgical procedures involving transferring tissue from one part of the body to another that could use augmentation. Likewise, gum grafting involves taking tissue from one part of your mouth (or a donor source) and applying it to the recessed area of your gum line. In doing so, we build up the tissue in the area and encourage healing. Gum disease may be effectively treated, and your smile’s health and beautiful balance may be restored. This process also helps to avoid the complications from root exposure; notably, it covers up the exposed roots that may make the tooth vulnerable to extensive and deep decay.

Complete periodontal care

Dr. Ahmed has refined her interest in periodontal procedures. “Periodontal” refers to those procedures that protect, restore, and sustain the health of the supportive tissues in the mouth and jaw. Generally, she encourages proactive care. Gum disease is a progressive condition. There are opportunities to stop it in its tracks. We urge you to contact us immediately if you notice any changes in your mouth; for instance, you may suddenly see blood on your toothbrush or floss. Or, if you are overdue for a checkup, call (212) - 256-1292 to schedule an appointment at our New York City office in Manhattan, NY (Central Park South) today.

Many gum problems are not noticeable until after they have progressed, and damage has occurred that requires treatment. We strive to stay ahead of maintaining healthy gums rather than just responding to damage that has already happened.