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It is treatable, but not reversible.

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It can grow and fuse with other bone, replacing or building up areas where bone has been lost, such as below the teeth and gums.

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Surgery can repair areas of gum tissue that have receded, but it also increases the likelihood of gums receding further at the surgical site. Conscientious oral hygiene can reduce the likelihood, however.

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This loose area of the gums is called a pocket or periodontal pocket.

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Planing is a deep-cleaning process where hard tartar and calculus buildup are scraped off of the sides of the teeth and tooth roots. Teeth may begin to tighten around the teeth after roots are cleared of rough debris, though.

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Scaling is a complementary part of planing -- root scaling and planing often go together as a means to clean and prepare the teeth and to remove bacteria as much as possible so gums can heal and adhere to teeth better.

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2. correct

Often tissue from the roof of the mouth, or from healthy areas of the gums near the receded area, are positioned underneath the area of recession and then sutured or stitched in place.

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Periodontists, or gum specialists, also can perform gum surgery.

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Most are performed in the office of a periodontist or oral surgeon and the person receiving surgery goes home the same day.

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It is an intervention to save the teeth. Weak gums lead to lose teeth that can fall out if they're not reinforced at the root and gum line.

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Individuals may have a gum line that makes teeth appear long or too prominent in proportion to the mouth. Periodontal plastic surgery can include grafting or manipulating healthy gum tissue to improve a person's smile.

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When gum tissue is pulled away or when dental tools are used to get down into periodontal pockets, gums may appear worse before they start to get better. As teeth are smoothed, gum tissue will shrink back into the teeth or begin to cling more tightly. Teeth may still look longer than before, but gums actually are healthier than before deep cleaning and will look healthier over time.

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It is a soft packing of flexible material that protects the newly cleaned and grafted tissues so they can heal without being disturbed.

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It is one of the most common areas for removing flaps of tissue for grafting to the gum line.

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Sometimes they are regular sutures that need to be removed by the surgeon or dentist.

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Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions when cleaning teeth will help keep tissues healthy and intact.

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Most often it is enough, and pain is mild to moderate following the procedure.

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Individuals with receded gums often experience tooth sensitivity at the roots. Those who undergo surgical repair of gum recession also may develop sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages or other stimuli, and the sensitivity can be either short- or long-term.

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Over-the-counter pain killers generally are enough to relieve the pain and discomfort.

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Many less-invasive and nonsurgical treatments are available, and most of the time, they work. Gum disease or other damage can be stopped or slowed and surgery can be avoided.