Root Planing for Gum Recession
What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root surface.
Symptoms
- Teeth appearing longer
- Exposed tooth roots
- Tooth sensitivity at gum line
How Root Planing Treats Gum Recession
Root planing smooths the root surfaces of teeth to remove bacterial toxins and create a clean surface for gum tissue to reattach. It's typically performed alongside deep cleaning for comprehensive periodontal treatment.
Procedure Steps
- 1Periodontal probing and assessment
- 2Anesthesia
- 3Root surface debridement
- 4Follow-up evaluation
Recovery Time:1-2 days
Average Cost:$200-$500
FAQ
What's the difference between scaling and root planing?
Scaling removes tartar from tooth surfaces, while root planing specifically smooths the root surfaces below the gumline.
How effective is root planing?
Very effective for early to moderate gum disease. Many patients see significant improvement in gum pocket depth after treatment.
Can receding gums grow back?
Gums don't naturally grow back. Gum graft surgery can restore the gum line.
How to prevent gum recession?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoid aggressive brushing, and treat gum disease early.