Receding Gum Stages

Gingivitis is the initial and early stage of gum recession and indicates the disease with inflammation formations in the gums. However, at this stage, with proper care and attention, we can see the process that usually works in reverse when the gums are cut.

Gingivitis is typically caused by plaque buildup on the teeth, causing irritation and swelling of the gum tissue.

What Are The Sign of Receding Gum in Early Stages?

Initially, you may notice mild tenderness in certain areas, especially when consuming foods or drinks that are extremely hot. This sensitivity is often the first warning that your gums are receding.

Another early indicator is slight changes in the appearance of the gum line. You may observe the gums recede from the teeth, creating small spaces or pockets. Since these spaces can harbor bacteria, it is imperative to maintain proper oral hygiene.

There is also a high probability of pain in the early stages of gum recession. However, there may not always be pain. This causes the patient to postpone the treatment of the disease and cause it to progress.

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Gingivitis is an early stage of receding gums, characterized primarily by inflammation of the gums. This condition occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and at the gum line.

If not removed with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which can lead to further irritation and inflammation.

Gingivitis Receding Gum Early Stages

There are stages of gingivitis receding gum consisting of 4 different stages.

Stage 1 Initial Gingivitis

Beginning gingivitis usually begins with mild inflammation of the gums. At this stage, the gums may appear slightly red and tender, but most people may not notice anything unusual. Inflammation is caused primarily by plaque buildup along the gum line, which irritates the soft tissues of the gums.

Stage 2 Mild Gingivitis

Mild gingivitis represents a progression of initial gingivitis and is manifested by more pronounced symptoms. At this stage, people may experience significant redness and swelling in the gums, especially around the teeth.

In addition, sensitivity becomes more noticeable and daily oral care routines such as brushing and flossing become uncomfortable. Gums may begin to bleed more frequently, especially when pressure is applied while brushing or flossing.

Stage 3 Moderate Gingivitis

Moderate gingivitis is a more serious condition where the inflammation becomes severe and the symptoms are more pronounced. At this stage, people often experience persistent bleeding while brushing their teeth or eating.

In addition, visible swelling and redness are also observed in the gums. Discomfort and sensitivity can make oral hygiene practices difficult. If the person maintains poor oral hygiene; The situation will get worse.

Stage 4 Advanced Gingivitis

At this stage, inflammation has increased to the point where the gums may begin to recede from the teeth, causing periodontal pockets to form. Additionally, these pockets become ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, making the situation worse.

A hallmark of advanced gingivitis is the noticeable loosening of teeth, as the supporting bone structure is affected by the ongoing inflammation. If left untreated, this can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

The stages of periodontitis (receding gum) provide an important framework for the management of the disease. In this way, this helps achieve more effective results in patient treatment and clinical practices.

Peridontitis Receding Gum Stages

The staging system encompasses the four main stages of periodontitis. Stage 1, 2, 3, and 4. However, each stage is determined based on the severity of the disease and the complexity of treatment.

Stage 1 (Gingivitis)

Periodontitis gum disease begins with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). The gums are swollen and red. However, although the gums are sensitive and damaged, there is usually no tissue or bone loss at this stage.

Therefore, the disease can be stopped with good oral care and professional cleaning. However, if gingivitis is not treated; Severe gum disease will progress to a more severe form.

Stage 2 (Early Periodontitis)

This stage is considered the border between gingivitis and periodontitis. At this stage, mild gum recession and pockets between the tooth and the gum are observed.

Additionally, it has symptoms such as persistent bad breath and intense bleeding gums. However, the disease is still in its early stages. Response to treatment is usually good and the progression of periodontitis can be stopped at this stage.

Stage 3 (Moderate Periodontitis)

Stage 3 of periodontitis is the phase where the disease progresses, and more significant destructions in dental support are observed. Therefore, periodontal pockets begin to deepen, and bone loss becomes more pronounced. If left untreated, the disease can progress. But it is still a reversible stage.

It is a stage where professional regular cleaning and surgical procedures such as flap surgery are required. In this way, gum recession can be stopped and tooth loss prevented.

Stage 4 Periodontitis

Tissue loss has reached significant levels, and the risk of tooth loss is high. Periodontal pockets have deepened considerably, and furcation defects as well as severe intra-bony defects can be observed.

Therefore If left untreated, tooth loss may become inevitable. Although it is not effective, chewing function usually continues.

Stage 5 (Advanced Periodontitis)

This stage is the most stage of periodontitis. Because serious losses occur at the gum and bone level. Therefore, the probability of tooth loss is very high and will usually be the result. In addition, this stage is a period in which the quality of life decreases for patients and pain increases.

If the disease is not managed, it is a stage that can also affect systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. However, once the gums are free from infections, the dental implant treatment phase will prevent functional and aesthetic loss.

Periodontitis Grades

Grading is done to better understand the rate of progression of periodontitis and to develop individualized treatment plans. Additionally, systemic factors such as smoking and diabetes are assessed alongside the clinical findings of the disease. Grading is divided into three main categories: A, B, and C.

Grade A (Slow Progression)

In this category, the rate of progression of periodontitis is slow. Radiographic evidence typically shows minimal bone loss. In addition to, the patient has no known risk factors (e.g., smoking, diabetes) or these factors are under control. In these patients, periodontitis may respond well to treatment.

Grade B (Moderate Progression)

Periodontitis that progresses at a moderate rate is determined based on clinical and radiographic findings. However, in these patients, risk factors (such as smoking and diabetes) are present. But They are manageable. Left untreated, the disease can progress.

Grade C (Rapid Progression)

Rapidly progressing periodontitis is associated with severe bone loss, tooth mobility and high-risk factors (uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking). The progression of the disease is much faster and the response to treatment is often more difficult. In addition to that may lead to multiple tooth losses.

Receding gum often go unnoticed and may progress to advanced stages before clinical findings become evident. Therefore, knowing the distinction between healthy and unhealthy gums is a prerequisite for stopping the progression of the disease.

Healthy gums have a color described as coral pink and exhibit an orange peel-like texture. Although it has a hard structure, it does not bleed during brushing. In contrast, bright red gums are a symptom of a periodontal disease.

Early Signs of Gum Recession

• Bad breath that does not go away with brushing or gargling
• The feeling of pain when chewing
• Inflamed gums
• Longer-looking teeth
• Swinging teeth
• Changes in the alignment of the teeth when the jaw is closed
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bleeding on probing
• Appearance of the cementum layer

There are surgical and non-surgical treatment methods for gum recession. However, these treatments, which are suitable for the individual according to the stages of receding gum, include problem-solving treatments for all stages except severe gum recession.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing procedures are procedures that aim to remove bacterial accumulations, tartar and gingival plaque from tooth root surfaces. This process helps periodontal tissues heal, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.

How is it applied?

The dentist performs the cleaning and root planing process using manual tools such as curettes and dental stones. These tools consist of three parts: working part (blade), handle and body.

Treatment can also be performed using sonic and ultrasonic instruments. Sonic devices create mechanical vibrations using air pressure and operate in the frequency range of 2000-6000 Hz. Ultrasonic tools produce high-frequency vibrations with amplitudes ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers at the tip of the tool.

Deep Cleaning

The two most important factors among the causes of periodontal diseases are bacterial plaque and dental stone. Therefore, removing them from the environment forms the basis of periodontal treatment.

Various hand tools of different diameters and shapes, such as curettes and dental stones, are used to clean bacterial plaque and tartar. Ultrasonic tools such as cavitrons, soft tissue lasers, air flow devices and water collection devices are also used.

How is it applied?

The specialist dentist cleans the tartar by repeating the tools used during dental cleaning in the same area at least 10 times. Especially in the first treatment, they carefully remove bacterial plaque and tartar using hand tools without pushing them into the gum pocket.

During the cleaning process, the harmful bacterial layer on the tooth is removed, while the sensitive tissue in the gum pocket is not damaged.

Gum Grafting

Gum graft is a treatment method applied by the dentist to increase the amount of gum tissue, expand the vestibular depth and cover the exposed root surfaces.

This treatment is divided into two main types: free gingival grafts and connective tissue grafts. However, each type of application method differs in terms of its advantages and disadvantages.

Free Gingival Graft

Free gum graft requires two surgical sites: The donor area where the graft will be taken and the recipient area where it will be placed.

First of all, before the procedure, the dentist smoothes the root surface to prepare the recipient area. After the correction process, an area approximately 3-4 mm wide is created in the area with receding gums.

The physician should prepare the recipient area to be at least 2 mm larger than the size of the graft. In this way, the area is prevented from narrowing due to the effect of the muscles during the healing process.

Connective Tissue Graft

Physicians take connective tissue grafts from the underlying tissue of the palatal region. These grafts contribute to aesthetic results by covering the exposed area in the treatment area.

However, the application of connective tissue grafts is a procedure that requires a high level of technical skill and involves complex suturing techniques.