Exposed Tooth Roots

At Enid Dental Care, Dr. Dennis Morehart enjoys performing cosmetic procedures which can help patients regain their self-confidence, as well as fixing problems with their bite function. One of the most common cosmetic side-effects of periodontal disease is recession of gum tissue, which leaves sensitive tooth roots painfully exposed to cold.

There are other causes of recessed gum tissue, including misalignment, but periodontal disease is the most common. We’ve mentioned before on our blog how plaque accumulates in gum pockets and causes them to enlarge by trapping acid. At some point, the damage will cause the gum tissue to cave in or contract. A deep cleaning can remove the plaque and planing will prevent it from recolonizing the tooth roots, but those roots still need to be covered.

As with a gum pocket reduction, the more mild cases can be fixed by cutting a flap of gum tissue and folding it over the tooth roots. Severe cases may require the attention of a periodontal specialist to do a gum graft, which may use either donor or artificial material. Regardless, patients should be aware that exposed tooth roots are a fixable problem.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.