Question: I found out I have significant gum recession (I never noticed it as I did not have symptoms and it does not show when I smile) up to 5mm on 4 lower teeth. I was advised I definitely need connective tissue grafting as I have no attached gingiva. I do not have "gum disease" as my pockets are . . .

Answer: There are a couple of things that we need to clarify:

1- Periodontal disease does not always present itself with pockets. Sometimes, you have shallow pockets but severe root exposures that go together with severe bone loss around teeth, which is periodontal disease.

2- So . . .

Ask an Expert: Binnaz Leblebicioglu DDS, MS, PhD, Gum Diseases View full article

Gum Problem.

Question: i am 18 years old and i brush my teeth daily, and do not eat anything out of the ordinary. But for some reason a few months after i turned 18 i developed a black spot on my gums between my 2 front teeth. now i`ve read all the other Q&A`s and my gums do not hurt, they don`t bleed, nothing hurts i . . .

Answer:

Did you have orthodontic treatment when youwere younger? I think that you are talking about a black space forming betweenyour front teeth. This may be due teeth shifting around. I . . .

Ask an Expert: Binnaz Leblebicioglu DDS, MS, PhD, Gum Diseases View full article

Gum Recession Grafting

Question: I am so fearful of having this procedure done. I have gum recession in front of my lower bottom teeth. I`ve watched videos on-line and it looks horrendous in spite of the dentist saying it`s not a big deal. I asked if I could speak with patients who have had this procedure done and was told no (priv . . .

Answer:

The procedure is very simple and it is done routinely with predictable results. I understand that watching it can give that much anxiety to a person with no professional dentistry background. Again, this procedure has been in practice since 1960s, 1970s. I recommend you having it if you have sens . . .

Ask an Expert: Binnaz Leblebicioglu DDS, MS, PhD, Gum Diseases View full article

Donor Graft Complication

Question: I had a donor gum graft performed on the molars just in front of my back upper molars a week ago (Friday). I`m happy not to have a wound in the roof my mouth but I`m surprised and worried (freaked out is more like it) about what is happening.

Two days later (Sunday) gray-green tissue came off f . . .

Answer: Ask an Expert: Binnaz Leblebicioglu DDS, MS, PhD, Gum Diseases View full article