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Very recessed gum, gets infected every now & then, what to do?

  • 02-12-2014 10:18am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44


    Hi, I'm wondering what could be done to "fix" very recessed gums, specifically two, upper left of mouth, molar and pre-molar? I'm 40's, I smoke though plan to quit over the coming months. My oral hygeine is...limitd. Will brush once a day, dental check up once a year, don't really floss though I have plenty of the stuff, use mouthwashes - sometimes chlorhexidine mouthwash. It's been going for several years, at least 7 or 8, but has gotten worse recently. Every few months it can flare up. A coupe of times I've had to take antibiotics etc for it. Though not usually.

    One dentist once mentioned ANUG to me but every other dentist I've seen has said it isn't or it's highly unlikely. It's localised not all over the mouth, though there is recession with the gums at some other teeth, though a minority. I have no major underlying health conditions aside from asthma and a hernia - though I tend to gets flu, colds, viral infections and/or bacterial infections etc almost every year, no, I'm not HIV or anything. My immune system may be a little weak alright for some unknown reason, even though I take vitamins, supplements etc.

    I know there is surgery, where skin/gum or whatever it is is taken from the roof of your mouth, your palate, and stitched, or something, onto the affected recessed areas - sounds extreme and freaks me out slightly. Plus I can imagine the cost! I have a medical card, but could also pay if I had to, luckily have some funds. I'm guessing this isn't covered by the medical card? Would anyone have any idea on gum graft surgery prices? Are there alternatives to grafts? I'm on an antibiotic (Co-Amoxiclav) at present for a chest infection (and an ear infection) - more or less a typical winter for me - but it doesn't seem to be dealing with the infection as well as it could be and has done in the past? I was also on the very same antibiotic specifically for a recessed gum infection about 6 months ago.

    Any suggestions, hints, pointers, as to what I can or should do? Thanks.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44 sonya7


    I'm unable to edit posts for some reason so have to respond to myself like a schizophrenic. Anyway, I guess I should have a done a more thorough Google search before asking though I would have still asked for peoples advice and opinions in any case, but I did find this, an alternative to grafting, VERY interesting:

    "The new tissue regeneration application from Tufts uses platelet concentrate gel applied to a collagen membrane as the graft instead of using tissue from the roof of the mouth. The graft is soaked in the patient’s platelets, using blood drawn in the same visit. Placed over the receding tooth root, the graft is then surgically secured."

    now.tufts.edu/news-releases/new-treatment-receding-gums-no-pain-lots-gain

    That article is from 2009. Almost 6 years ago. Do we have this procedure here in Ireland? Or is the US light years ahead of what's available here? Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 933 ✭✭✭Dianthus


    OP, many periodontists (gum specialists) will not consider gum grafting/surgery if the patient is a smoker, & has poor oral hygiene. It's considered a waste of the patients' time& money as risk of failure is dramatically increased, & despite all protestations to the contrary, many patients having paid a lot of money for a procedure will expect an almost 100% success rate ;)
    Your own role as a patient is by far& away the most important factor in the outcome of any treatment. Quit smoking & improve oral hygiene asap.
    See a periodontist to discuss available options.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,080 ✭✭✭EoghanIRL


    Smoking is a known cause of periodontal disease. As another poster said a specialist may refuse to carry out the procedure if you are a smoker , like with dental implants . Perhaps this is something to consider .


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