Gum Recession Options?

[lemonlollies]

Hi,

I am a little confused about the state of my gums - my current dentist told me I had mild periodontal disease although he has never scaled/polished them or done anything to treat the problem. I can clearly see recession on my top canine and pre-molars - it is most severe on the left hand side although about 1mm of root is visible on the right hand side too. I went to a second dentist for a consultation and was quoted fillings for the receded areas on the right hand side... the areas are notched where the enamel stops but I see no cavities there, just the yellow root colour. Do dentists do this?

I noticed also that although more root is exposed on the left hand side, the gum level is about the same both sides. Is it possible I have a longer tooth on one side which is why less root is exposed?

I am planning on seeing a periodontist about the affected areas but I'm worried if I go ahead and get the fillings on the right hand side, if I was then told I need gum grafting on the left, then I would end up with one side of my gums being much higher than the other.

Any advice would be appreciated,

Lucy

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

I think it would be best to see the gum specialist first before having any fillings placed on your teeth. I personally am not a big fan of fillings on the root surfaces when there is mild gum recession especially when the tooth is not sensitive. The reason is that they need to be done very well with no filling overhangs and often there are overhangs which attract plaque and make the gum condition worst.

it is possible to have a slightly different shaped tooth on one side that the other and if the gum level looks the same on both sides, from a gum cosmetic point of view that is considered acceptable. You can have gum grafting surgery to reposition the receded gum further up but that surgery does not always work.

[lemonlollies]

Thanks for your response, it was very informative and reassuring. I will definitely go to the periodontist first and see what they say.
Many thanks,
Lucy