Periodontal disease.

[Raina]

A few weeks ago, I noticed that some of my gums for one of my bottom teeth had receded. I looked online and believe that I have periodontal disease. I have an appointment with my dentist next Thursday but am scared to find out what he says. I apologize for posting pictures of my teeth, but this is the only way for you to get a pretty good indication of how much gum has been lost. So I am just asking how bad it is. I have both health and vision insurance, but never got dental insurance. How much would it be to get a gum graft for this? Also, does it look like some of the gum from my other two teeth is beginning to recede? Thank you for your help.

 

[calcium48]

most teeth are lost through gum disease, rather than tooth decay

 

[drmins]

It looks like your gum recession is due to an improper bite and needs an orthodontic intervention along with periodontal care.

(Desclaimer: Online consultations are never equivalent to a detailed physical examination.The actual diagnosis may differ based on clinical findings that cannot be read from the photographs.)

 

[Aspatria]

See a periodontal specialist as soon as you are able. I have to wait 3 weeks to see one here in the UK as the appointments are so booked up everyone where.

I was seeing my dentist for nearly 10 years. He didn't refer me to a periodontist and subsequently I have now advanced bone loss at the top right of my right jaw and in other places. I only went in for a minor filling and came out in gnawing pain from the dentist last week - I have no idea how the problem (pain) got triggered during the appointment as I was totally pain free before I went it.

I was shocked when the dentist's colleague saw me last week and said she can refer me to a periodontal surgeon. Why didn't the other dentist (her colleague) do this years ago when it was obvious the problem was getting worse?

I feel ashamed to say I didn't know what a periodontist was until she explained it to me! I didn't even know they existed!