Tag: better smile

An exposed tooth root can be an uncomfortable, inconvenient dental issue. It’s a problem that can occasionally result from receding gums, or from any sort of trauma that causes gum damage. It can also be a sign of gum disease, including severe periodontitis where the gum tissue has regressed significantly. Older adults are at greater risk. 

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of an exposed tooth root and the steps you can take to deal with the issue. Dr. Jessica Gibbs is pleased to meet with patients to discuss exposed root problems and your dental health. Here’s what you need to know about how to handle exposed tooth roots in anticipation of a dental appointment. 

How to spot an exposed tooth root

The tooth root is the part of the tooth that extends down into the socket of the bone in the jaw. These roots are covered by a hard tissue called cementum. Exposed tooth roots typically occur when that cementum wears away over time with brushing. As the gums recede and the cementum wears down, you may begin to see a little bit of the exposed tooth root.

Symptoms of an exposed root

The symptoms of exposed tooth roots vary depending on what caused the issue to begin with. In some cases, you might be able to see the exposed root without any other accompanying symptoms. In other cases, there are several telltale signs of an exposed tooth root. When symptoms do occur, these are among the most common examples:

• Discoloration: For people who experience exposed roots as a result of tooth decay, you’re likely to notice some discoloration in the tooth. This includes yellowing or browning. 
• Gum tenderness: If you have exposed tooth roots, you might start to notice sore gums or feelings of tenderness during brushing, or if you press on them. Gums may even start to bleed during brushing or flossing.
• Appearance: Teeth that have exposed roots might appear to be longer than usual, or than other teeth in the mouth, especially if the gum line is receding.
• General sensitivity: You might experience sensitivity around the affected tooth in circumstances aside from brushing, such as when you’re eating food that’s hot, cold, or particularly sweet, sour or acidic.

What NOT to do if you have root pain

If you’re experiencing root pain caused by an exposed tooth root, don’t delay in taking action. Not tackling the problem only allows it to become worse. Avoid brushing hard on the area, grinding the teeth or other behaviors that could result in a grater level of wear and tear. Avoid chewing gum or hard candies or food items. Most importantly, don’t delay treatment. Pain and discomfort will only persist the longer you avoid dental intervention. 

Exposed roots will get worse without care

An exposed tooth root needs immediate action to correct the problem. This means speaking to a dentist and scheduling an appointment for an examination to begin corrective work.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, certain root coverage procedures can help you protect exposed roots from decay. Gum grafts and the like can also be effective methods of preventing further recession. Your dentist will analyze your mouth and determine if any of these procedures are an effective means of resolving the problem. Other treatment methods for people with exposed roots as a result of gum recession include:

• Crowns: Dental crowns cap the tooth to afford it greater strength and protection. Custom crowns are useful for covering exposed roots. 
• Flap surgery: This surgery involves small incisions in the gums to remove buildup of tartar and bacteria, and to cover up exposed roots.
• Gingival masks: If the problem extends to multiple teeth, a gingival mask (a type of removable artificial gum) can cover up receding gums.

Other solutions vary depending on the cause. For teeth grinding, dentists may prescribe a mouthguard to avoid worsening the problem. If misaligned teeth are the problem, corrective action like braces, retainers or aligners can help. Finally, if the issue is gum disease, procedures like dental scaling, root planning and root canals may be useful.

Contact Dr. Gibbs if you have root pain

If you’re experiencing tooth pain and believe it’s associated with an exposed root, it’s important to seek the advice of a trusted dentist. They’ll provide guidance about the types of treatments that are most effective for your situation. If you’re in Glen Ellyn, IL, contact Dr. Thomas Gibbs or Dr. Jessica Gibbs with your questions, and for more information about exposed root treatment options.

 You may be experiencing receding gums if you noticed your teeth look longer. You may also have noticed a receding gum line as gums appear to be pulling back away from your teeth.  If your gums recede, gaps may start to form between the tooth and gum. This creates a pocket that allows bacteria to build up. If a receding gum line is left untreated, gums, teeth, and tissue can become damaged. It’s possible to even lose a tooth. Gum recession is a common dental condition but since it occurs gradually, many people don’t realize it’s happening.

 Symptoms of Receding Gums

Over time, as the gums recede, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

• Long Teeth – When the gums pull back, the teeth can look longer than normal.
• Exposed Root – When the roots of teeth are exposed, they can become uncomfortable and overly sensitive. Sometimes they are a sign of gum disease, or it can simply be that you’ve been brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush that has hard bristles.
• Loose Teeth – Receding gums can lead to a buildup of bacteria and eventually gum disease. If they are not treated, these pockets can become deeper because they are no longer attached to a solid structure. In severe cases, it’s possible for a tooth to become loose.

What Causes Receding Gums?

There can be many factors that contribute to gum recession. It can also be a combination of factors including one or more of these common symptoms:

• Periodontal Disease – An infection and inflammation of the gums are caused by bacteria that destroy the tissue and bone that are holding teeth in place. Gum disease is the most common reason for gum recession. In its earliest stages, gum disease is often not noticed. It is often first discovered during a routine exam with your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist.
• Improper Brushing Technique – Brushing your teeth too hard or too aggressively can wear away enamel. This can cause gums to recede.
• Genetics – Some people are more susceptible to receding gums even if they have good oral care habits. This is because of their genetics.
• Using Tobacco Products – Using tobacco often causes sticky plaque buildup on the teeth. This can cause gums to recede.
• Hormone Imbalances – As the body matures through puberty, and through pregnancy and menopause for women, estrogen levels change. This can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to recede.
• Misaligned Bite or Crooked Teeth – Gums often recede when the teeth can’t come together evenly or there is too much force on the gums.
• Grinding Teeth (Bruxism) – If you grind or clench your teeth, it can put too much force on the gums and cause gum recession.

What Are Some Options for Treatment?

The best treatment option for receding gums will depend on how severe it has become and the cause. Dr. Gibbs offers numerous gum recession solutions and individualized treatment plans. Fluoride treatment and professional cleaning can often be beneficial. In some cases, a gum lift may be an appropriate treatment plan.

When should I see Dr. Gibbs About Gum Recession?

The best care is preventative care. Routine exams help find problems like receding gums before they become too problematic. When dental conditions are discovered early, they are more easily and successfully treated. If you notice your teeth look different or longer; or if your gums seem to be pulling back from your teeth, make an appointment for an exam right away.

Give Thanks For Great Smiles

Hello again!

We hope that you find this blog to be a useful resource about dentistry. And if you are looking for a trustworthy dentist in Glen Ellyn, IL, we hope you will give our office a call.

In any event, it is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here and, at Smile Glen Ellyn, we think it is worth reflecting on all of our blessings. Most of us have so many things to be thankful for.

If nothing else, we have the power to change our lives for the better, and that is a blessing in and of itself.

Always remember that when you are less than pleased with the state of affairs in your mouth, our team can help you make it better fast with one of our cosmetic dental solutions.

Treatment timetables will vary depending on the severity of your issues but, in some cases, you could be in possession of a stunning new smile by the new year!

How’s that for something to be grateful for?

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

First, you have to come in for a cosmetic dentistry consultation and let us determine the best treatment, or combination of treatments, to address your needs.

Until then, we have some options for you to be thinking about.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Most Americans could benefit from a whitening treatment at some point in life. This is because our teeth darken over time and our daily habits (i.e. chocolate and coffee) tend to leave deep stains.

Luckily, at Smile Glen Ellyn, we have professional whitening services that will give you something to smile about.

If your preference is to have your teeth whitening performed in our office, we have several options for you to choose from that can give you a brighter, whiter smile in no time.

And if you’d rather tackle the whitening process at home as your schedule allows, we have office-guided take-home kits you can use for a safe and effective experience.

As a special thank you, we even offer a whitening for life program that allows you to receive whitening kits as long as you maintain your routine cleaning appointments.

Whatever you do, don’t trust your smile to a kit that you can buy at the grocery store. Your Glen Ellyn dentist can get you better results in the end.

Dental Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a great way to transform damaged teeth. The bonding material is durable and can be shaped to correct chips, gaps, cracks, and uneven teeth.

It is a quick and easy procedure as well.

Lumineers

A lumineer is a thin, prepless veneer that can be shaped and fitted to your teeth in short order. Lumineers can drastically improve the shapes of your teeth to give you a more desirable look. Who wouldn’t want that?

Invisalign Invisible Orthodontics

No one wants a better smile in the future at the expense of their current appearance. That’s why adults shy away from conventional metal braces even when orthodontic treatment would do them a world of good.

Invisalign takes that into consideration. In about a year you can correct crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth without having to endure the hassles of wearing metal brackets and wires.

Instead, you rely on a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that discreetly and comfortably work to get the job done.

There are no dietary restrictions, mouth sores, patronizing nicknames, special tools, or in-office adjustments required to get your stunning new look.

Six Month Smiles

When you have teeth that are misaligned in the front of your mouth, we can deliver Six Month Smiles. Yes, this treatment wraps up in a matter of months!

This quick, concerted orthodontic approach can completely change the look of your smile without having to tackle the bigger, harder-to-move teeth in the back of your mouth.

We focus only on the teeth that show when you smile. And we promise that you’ll be smiling a lot when we are through with you.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation Today!

Contact our Glen Ellyn, IL dentist’s office to get learn more about the cosmetic dentistry possibilities and get started today.

We can’t wait to meet with you!