What can I do about my receding gumline at the site of my dental implant?

Question

I had an implant place on my top front tooth about two and a half years ago. I had a bone graft done first, as I had been missing the tooth since childhood (I am 26 now) and the bone loss was significant. The surgery went well and I healed nicely over the course of a year.

However, about a year ago I noticed that the gumline on the implant, as well as the gumline on the two teeth on either side of the implant, are starting to recede. I brush twice daily, floss every evening before bed, and do a fluoride rinse. I don’t drink soda or coffee, or smoke, and take excellent care of my teeth.

The gumline has receded to the point that I have a large space between my front tooth and my eye tooth, and it looks like a dark triangle. When I asked my dentist about it who did the surgery, he said that this sometimes happens, even with good oral hygiene, as gum tissue doesn’t adhere well to artificial teeth.

I worry that a gum graft would be a waste of time and money, as the gum tissue would likely recede again.

Has anyone else had experience with this issue, and if so, how did you solve it?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Gum recession happens as we age but if you are a hard brusher it will happen quicker. You should get a gum graft to save your teeth. It would not be a waste of money but you must take care that you keep the area very clean and never brush hard and use a soft bristle brush and never medium or hard.

This is also an option but for totally cosmetic purposes.

http://dentalimplants-usa.com/Treatment/Gingmask/Gingmask.html

Answer 2

You need to see a periodontist for their opinion.

Answer 3

get a 2nd opinion. your too young for all this teeth drama.

Answer 4

see a dentist

Answer 5

i dont know - i still have all my teeth.