Tooth root exposure – diagnostics and treatment at Astra Dent Warsaw

Hypersensitivity to cold, hot, sour is one of the symptoms of tooth root exposure. Unlike the crown, it is not covered with enamel, which is why chemical and thermal stimuli cause discomfort. Without treatment, the risk of damage to the deeper layers increases – cementum (the outer shell of the root), dentin (hard but sensitive tissue under the enamel) and the tooth cavity with nerves and blood vessels.

The first signs of gum recession (retraction) are pain when drinking cold and hot drinks, visual elongation of the tooth, a yellowish tint near the neck, unpleasant sensations during brushing. Gum tissue detachment occurs due to inflammatory processes, aggressive hygiene, thin gum biotype, inflammatory processes, orthodontic disorders. The longer the visit to the dentist is delayed, the deeper the root surface of the tooth is exposed.

Early diagnosis detects the problem before symptoms appear, which allows you to avoid complications and minimize intervention. If you notice bleeding, increased sensitivity or discomfort, make an appointment for a consultation. Thanks to microscopic techniques and minimally invasive treatment methods, the patient preserves teeth and gum health without complex procedures. In advanced cases, Astra Dent specialists perform microsurgical correction – tissue transplantation or gingival plastic surgery using biocompatible materials. Each procedure is performed under new-generation anesthesia, which guarantees patient comfort.

Why do patients choose Astra Dent Warsaw for the treatment of an exposed tooth root?

Astra Dent employs specialized dentists with experience in aesthetic, therapeutic and periodontal dentistry. We work on an interdisciplinary principle: treatment is not arranged at random, but on the basis of digital diagnostics, consultations of several specialists and clinical prognosis.

Advantages of treating an exposed tooth root at Astra Dent:

A comprehensive approach: therapy + periodontology + surgery. Astra Dent Warsaw employs doctors of various profiles who develop a treatment strategy through joint efforts. If necessary, the patient is prescribed laser removal of inflammation, gum tissue transplantation, hygienic cleaning using special pastes and rinses.
English-speaking staff. Doctors and administrators are fluent in English, which reduces the risk of misunderstandings during consultations and ensures the patient's psychological comfort.
Modern equipment. The dental center uses modern Carl Zeiss microscopes, Planmeca 3D tomography, EMS laser scalers, which allow for accurate diagnostics and minimize intervention.
Individual treatment plan. The decision is made after consultation with several specialists. The patient receives a clear plan with a prognosis, stages and cost, without hidden procedures.
Painless intervention. Anesthesia is provided by the STA computer system, which eliminates the human factor and guarantees comfort even during microsurgical procedures.

Thanks to the correction of the gingival margin and isolation of the exposed root, it is possible to avoid tooth extraction and subsequent prosthetics. Microplastics are performed using a new generation of anesthesia, which provides a predictable result and complete comfort during the procedure.

How do we treat exposed tooth roots at Astra Dent Warsaw?

The method of treating exposed roots is selected depending on the depth of the lesion, the presence of inflammation and the anatomy of the gums. Astra Dent specialists in Warsaw use comprehensive protocols that combine therapeutic, hygienic and surgical techniques.

Consultation and diagnostics (periodontist / therapist)

The doctor conducts a clinical examination using a periodontal probe – a device for assessing the condition of the periodontium. During the examination, the following are determined:

Recession depth. The distance from the cement-enamel junction to the gum level is measured to determine the degree of root exposure.
Gum condition. Color, density, bleeding during probing, the presence of edema or atrophy are assessed.
The presence of periodontal pockets. The depth between the gum and the tooth is detected, which indicates the destruction of the ligamentous apparatus and the likelihood of periodontitis.
Tooth mobility. The degree of tooth displacement in different directions is checked, which indicates the condition of the supporting structures.
The level of gum attachment. The point of tight fit of the gums to the tooth is determined. A decrease in the level of attachment signals periodontal lesions.
The presence of plaque and tartar. Visual assessment of the hygienic status allows us to find out whether the recession is caused by mechanical damage.

A photo protocol and anamnesis are taken: analysis of hygiene habits, bite, general condition of the mucosa. In complex cases, CT diagnostics (CBCT) or intraoral 3D scanning is prescribed to assess the thickness of the gums and the structure of bone tissue. If necessary, the patient is consulted by an allied specialist – an orthodontist or surgeon.

Elimination of the cause (periodontal therapy, hygiene correction)

At the treatment stage, it is necessary to stop the recession and stabilize the condition of the gums. If inflammation is present, therapy begins with professional cleaning:

Scaling. Mechanical removal of hard and soft deposits from the surface of the teeth and subgingival areas is performed with an ultrasonic scaler, which does not injure the enamel and effectively removes tartar.
Deep root cleaning. Used for deep periodontal lesions. The root surface is polished with special instruments to a smooth state to reduce the risk of re-accumulation of bacterial biofilm.
Laser therapy. Used to disinfect gingival pockets and stimulate tissue healing. The laser reduces swelling, sensitivity and accelerates regeneration.

After sanitation, the doctor conducts instruction: teaches the technique of brushing teeth taking into account the anatomical features of the patient. A brush with appropriate stiffness, paste with reduced abrasiveness, floss or irrigator for deep cleaning of interdental spaces is selected.

Filling the tooth neck (if sensitivity is high)

An adhesive system is applied to the exposed dentin area – a liquid that improves adhesion to the tooth tissue. After this, a layering of a photopolymer composite adapted to work in the cervical area is performed. The material recreates the color of the tooth and has increased elasticity, which prevents microcracks during chewing.

The restoration does not injure healthy tissues due to microinvasive preparation and work under magnification. The filling hermetically closes the dentinal tubules and protects the nerve endings from irritants. As a result, sensitivity disappears and the aesthetics of the cervical area improves.

Gingivoplasty / gum plastic – a surgical solution

When the gingival detachment cannot be compensated for by therapeutic methods, the specialist performs surgical correction – tissue transplantation or reconstruction of the gum contour.

Methods of gingival plastic surgery at Astra Dent:

Gingivoplasty. The formation of the correct gum edge occurs due to a laser or micro-instruments. It is used for excessive or uneven gum line, as well as to eliminate fibrous areas.
Gingival plastic surgery with local tissue displacement. In cases where there is a sufficient volume of adjacent soft tissues, the gums are shifted towards the recession and fixed with sutures without a donor graft.
Connective tissue grafting. A thin layer of mucosa is taken from the patient’s palate (most often in the molar area) and sutured into the recession area. The technique ensures stable engraftment and restores tissue thickness.
Use of allografts or collagen matrices. When harvesting one’s own tissue is undesirable, biocompatible materials are used – sterile collagen matrices or donor grafts from a tissue bank.
Fixation and postoperative protection. Micro-sutures made of absorbable material, a protective bandage or rubber dam, antiseptic treatment, anesthesia and support of regeneration with healing gels are used.

Manipulations are performed using a dental microscope, which ensures high accuracy and delicacy of the intervention. Thanks to this, tissues recover faster, and the result is preserved for years.

Recommendations for home care and prevention

After treatment, the patient receives detailed instructions on hygiene, exercise regimen and nutrition. Control examinations are prescribed every 3-6 months.

Key recommendations:

A soft brush with a properly selected head. It is recommended to use a brush with ultra-soft bristles, preferably with a reduced head for gentle cleaning of the root zone.
Modified Bass brushing technique. The brush is placed at an angle of 45° to the gums, the movements are short, sweeping, without pressure. The technique allows us to remove plaque along the gum line without injuring the mucous membrane.
Toothpaste with low abrasiveness. Pastes with RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) up to 50 are used, which prevent dentin abrasion in the recession zone.
Irrigator or interdental brushes. Helps to effectively clean the spaces between the teeth and subgingival areas without mechanical irritation.
Nutrition control. It is worth limiting the consumption of acidic drinks (juices, energy drinks, carbonated drinks), which demineralize dentin, and products with a high sugar content.
Elimination of bad habits. It is not recommended to bite nails, open packages with your teeth or use toothpicks, which lead to microtrauma of the gums.
Regular preventive examinations. After surgical interventions or restoration procedures, the patient should undergo control every 3-6 months to assess the stability of the result.

Systematic care preserves the result of treatment and prevents the appearance of new foci of gum recession. Proper prevention is the continuation of treatment at home.

What is tooth root exposure

Healthy gums fit tightly and cover the neck of the tooth, protecting sensitive root tissues. But under the influence of mechanical, inflammatory or anatomical factors, they can peel off, exposing the part of the tooth that does not have enamel protection.

What gum recession looks like:

The tooth has become longer. The visible part of the tooth increases, and the gum line shifts down (on the lower jaw) or up (on the upper).
The gums have receded. A gap or depression appears between the tooth and the tissue. In some cases, the edge of the gum looks thin, stretched or whitish.
Feeling of pain. In the exposed area, sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet, and the touch of a toothbrush appears. Discomfort may be constant or occur only during irritation.

If the patient consults a dentist in time, recession can be stopped without surgical intervention. But as the lesion progresses, there is a risk of infection, exposure of nerve structures and impaired fixation of the tooth in the jaw.

Causes of root exposure

Gum detachment from the tooth is not an independent disease, but a consequence of pathological or traumatic effects on periodontal tissues. In most cases, recession develops slowly and painlessly, so patients do not seek help in the early stages. To prevent risks, it is important to understand which factors trigger the process:

Gum recession (due to periodontitis, gingivitis). Chronic inflammation of the periodontium destroys the fibers that hold the gums near the neck of the tooth. Gradually, the tissues lose density and "crawl" down, exposing the root.
Excessive or incorrect brushing of the teeth. Strong brush pressure, incorrect technique, abrasive paste or the use of hard bristles lead to mechanical trauma to the gums.
Anatomical features. Thin gum biotype, close location of the root to the bone surface or a highly attached frenulum are factors that increase the risk of tooth root exposure even with moderate loads.
Uncontrolled orthodontic treatment. Rapid tooth movement without consideration of periodontal status leads to stretching of the gums and loss of attachment.
Gum trauma. Even a single blow, accidental injury with hard food or constant friction (for example, from a poor-quality prosthesis) can cause local recession.
Smoking. Nicotine disrupts blood circulation in the gum tissues, slows down healing and reduces the immune response. In smokers, gums atrophy more often even in the absence of visible inflammation.

In most cases, recession is caused by not one, but several factors at the same time. That is why diagnostics at Astra Dent involves a comprehensive assessment of the periodontium, hygiene habits, anatomy and bite.

Symptoms to watch out for

To prevent complications – pulp inflammation, loosening of the tooth or bone changes – it is necessary to react to the first signs. Consult a doctor if you notice at least one of the following symptoms:

Hypersensitivity to hot/cold/sweet. Burning or sharp pain occurs when in contact with food or drinks – a signal that the dentin of the root is exposed.
Visible elongation of the tooth. When the gums recede and expose the root area, the tooth seems longer than before.
Discomfort and pain when brushing. During hygiene, tingling, irritation or a desire to avoid touching a certain tooth with the brush appears.
Bleeding, inflammation of the gums. Redness, swelling, blood after brushing – signs of gingivitis or initial periodontitis, which often accompany gum recession.

Even slight sensitivity indicates the beginning of recession, which leads to root exposure, dentin demineralization, and impaired tooth fixation. At this stage, the problem can be stopped without surgical intervention – provided that the patient consults a doctor in time. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the easier and safer it is to restore gum health and save the tooth.

What is dangerous about root exposure

A tooth's exposed root is primarily a clinical problem that concerns the integrity of periodontal tissues. Without proper protection, dentin and cementum become vulnerable to external influences. The load on the tooth increases, and bacteria penetrate deep structures. Ignoring recession threatens with functional and structural complications:

Tendency to root caries. There is no enamel in the root zone, so dentin demineralizes much faster. Caries in this area has an aggressive course and often turns into pulpitis.
Increased risk of tooth loss. Recession is accompanied by the gradual destruction of the ligamentous apparatus of the tooth. If left untreated, the tissues will lose their ability to hold the tooth in the jaw.
Problems with the aesthetics of the smile. The exposure of the roots is noticeable when smiling, especially in the anterior part. This creates a visual imbalance and the impression of "uneven" or "too long" teeth.
Unhealthy gum condition – potentially chronic inflammation. Open areas serve as a gateway for microorganisms that can provoke gingivitis or periodontitis.

If left untreated, gum recession progresses: sensitivity increases, tissue attachment is destroyed, and deeper layers of the root are exposed. As a result, this requires complex reconstructive procedures or even prosthetics.

How to make an appointment at Astra Dent Warsaw?

If you are concerned about sensitivity, a change in the contour of the gums or the visual lengthening of the teeth, do not postpone a visit to the dentist. Astra Dent in Warsaw is attended by doctors specializing in gum microsurgery, periodontology and aesthetic dentistry. Each case is considered individually, using digital diagnostics and a prognosis of the result.

You can make an appointment in several ways:

by email: info@astradent.pl;
by phone: +48 533 599 552;
via the form on the website: astradent.pl.

The appointment schedule is convenient for working patients – from 9:00 to 20:00 on weekdays, and from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekends. The consultation takes about 30 minutes and includes basic diagnostics. Early treatment allows you to avoid complications and save the tooth without surgery.