Receding gums are an indication of serious gum disease. As the gums recede, the tooth roots are revealed. The roots of the teeth are very susceptible to decay, and if the gums are receding, it is critical that the condition is treated rapidly. As the gums recede gradually, it may only be noticed by a patient when the teeth become sensitive or begin to look longer than before. A notch can be felt at the gum line. Receding gums are a symptom of periodontal disease that can be treated and resolved.

Step One: Evaluating Your Condition

To determine the most effective treatment for receding gums, a full examination of your gums and teeth will be performed, including X-Rays and hands-on evaluation. As the gums recede, the condition worsens, as pockets are formed that can allow bacteria to flourish. Our team of professionals will evaluate your condition and create a treatment plan to help restore your gums and teeth to a healthier state.

Step Two: Your Treatment Plan

The treatment you need for receding gums can vary, based upon the how far the gum disease has progressed. Every person has a unique condition, and the treatment plan will be developed to address all of the factors for the individual. Having healthy gums is very important, as gum disease is linked to more serious health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, and others. Our friendly, compassionate staff will explain every detail of your treatment plan to you so you understand what will occur. We are gentle, and focus on providing pain-free dental care.

Step Three: Treating Gum Recession

Our treatments can halt the progression of receding gums. The treatments needed could include:

Root planing or root scaling: root planing, also called root scaling or deep cleaning, may be necessary to halt the progression of gum recession. The plaque, tartar, and debris that has collected below the surface of the gums is removed with a special procedure.
Pocket irrigation: Also called oral irrigation, this can prevent the advancement of gum recession by using water to blast out the plaque, particles of food, and the debris that collects between the teeth. Pocket irrigation helps to keep the gum tissue healthy and strong, while reducing issues such as bad breath.
Pocket reduction surgery: If your gums have receded to the point in which pockets have formed around the teeth, it poses a health risk to mouth, gums, and teeth, as well as your general health. Pocket reduction surgery cleans out the collection of bacteria, after folding back the gum tissue, so it can reattach to the teeth and be restored to a healthier (and more attractive) position.
Soft tissue grafting: Some patients may require soft tissue grafting to restore lost gum tissue. Tissue can be harvested from the inside of your mouth and then placed and stitched over the area of your gums that receded.
Regenerative procedures: The regeneration of gum tissue is typically performed through gum grafting. This procedure can resolve the unpleasant appearance of the gums, particularly if discolored or appearing “toothy.”

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Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

May 2020

Dear Valued Patient:

We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:

All patients must wear a mask when entering the office.

Anyone accompanying you will be asked to wait in their vehicle.

Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.

Upon arrival at your appointment your temperature will be taken for the safety of all staff and patients.

Prior to receiving treatment you will be asked to rinse with an antimicrobial for a minimum of 30 seconds

We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.

You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.

UV Air purifiers have been placed throughout the office.

Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.

We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time, so we ask that you do your best to be on time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (626)798-7834 or visit our website at pasadenasmilecenter@yahoo.com.

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

Sincerely, Niloufar Molayem, D.D.S. & Team