Trauma Can Fracture Teeth and Permanently Damage Gums!
This can cause a gingival defect known as gum recession.
Trauma to front tooth tore off enamel on the front of the tooth and caused ripping of the gum tissue and lip.
Luckily this patient does not show a lot of gum tissue when she smiles as trauma like this will almost always leave an area of gum recession on the root surface. Gum Recession or gingival recession is the term used when the gums move apically or away from their normal position. Areas of gum recession will leave root surfaces exposed. Since the root is softer than the crown of a tooth, gum recession can lead to excessive wear of the root surface causing sensitivity and or notches to develop in the root.
The fractured area of the tooth has been covered by a layer of composite or tooth colored bonding material.
Gums attach to the bone over the root of a tooth. There may be some attachment of the gums to the root surface as well. In an area of gum recession, the root is exposed without the normal layer of overlying bone and the root surface becomes contaminated with bacteria and proteins in the mouth. New tissue will not grow here and without periodontal intervention such as gum grafting, the root will remain exposed once the gum tissue heals.
The gum tissue has healed with an area of gum recession.
In the photos here you can see the recession caused by trauma and the appearance of the gum tissue after it has healed with an area of gum recession. A periodontist may still be able to improve the appearance of this gingival defect, This would be especially important if the area could be seen during smiling. Our patient here has a very low smile meaning that her upper lip covers this area of gum recession and she is not concerned with the defect from a cosmetic standpoint.
Our Grand Junction, Colorado office often sees areas of gum recession usually caused by periodontal disease, destructive habits or trauma. We would be happy to discuss your options for treatment of areas like this! Our phone number is (970) 242-3635. We would love to hear from you!