Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Getting veneers usually requires some removal of enamel from the teeth, which can expose dentin and irritate the gums. This often leads to gum recession around the veneers. The big question is, once your gums have receded from veneer preparation, can you get them to grow back?
Do gums grow back after veneers?
The short answer is yes, it is possible for gum tissue to grow back after veneers, but full regeneration is difficult. Gums have a limited ability to rebound and recover some of the lost tissue over time. However, the amount of gum regrowth varies from person to person based on individual healing ability.
With proper oral care and treatment procedures, mild to moderate gum recession can be improved around veneers. But in cases of severe recession, the gums cannot grow back completely to their original position.
Why veneers cause gum recession
Here are some reasons why gum recession commonly occurs after getting veneers:
Enamel removal
Preparing the teeth for veneers involves removing some enamel to allow space for the veneer material. This enamel protects the dentin underneath. When it is ground down, more sensitive dentin is exposed which can irritate and inflame the gums.
Disruption of gum fibers
The gums are connected to the teeth with collagen fibers. These fibers get disturbed during the grinding process. This can loosen the gums and cause them to move away from the teeth.
Damage to gum tissue
Sometimes the tools used during enamel reduction can inadvertently damage and tear the gum tissue. This can directly cause recession.
Improper margins
If the veneer margins are placed too far below the gumline, it can make cleaning difficult leading to dental plaque accumulation. The bacteria in plaque release toxins that inflame the gums and make them recede.
Factors affecting gum regrowth after veneers
Several factors impact the ability of gums to rebound after veneers:
Amount of recession
If the gums have receded only minimally (1-2mm), complete regrowth is very possible with proper care. Moderate recession of 2-4mm has good chances of partial improvement. But severe recession beyond 4mm cannot fully heal itself.
| Amount of recession | Possibility of gum regrowth |
|---|---|
| 1-2 mm | High |
| 2-4 mm | Moderate |
| Beyond 4 mm | Low |
Oral hygiene
Proper brushing and flossing to control plaque is critical for gum health. Meticulous oral hygiene prevents further recession and encourages partial rebound of gums after veneers.
Smoking
Smoking impairs blood flow to the gums, interferes with healing and aggravates gum recession. Quitting smoking facilitates gum regrowth.
Grinding and clenching
These excessive forces put pressure on teeth and gums, preventing regeneration after veneers. Using a night guard helps.
Gum biotype
Some people have thin gingival tissue that is more susceptible to recession. In such cases, recovery after veneers is very limited.
Pre-existing gum disease
Individuals with periodontitis or gingivitis have increased sensitivity and inflammation which reduces gum regrowth ability.
Procedures to regenerate gum tissue after veneers
While some natural gum regrowth occurs with good homecare after veneers, additional clinical therapies may be needed to restore gum health. These include:
Pinhole surgical technique
This minimally invasive method involves making a tiny pinhole in the gum tissue. Special tools are inserted through this to gently loosen and slide the gums back into position without any scalpel or sutures. This technique stimulates natural gum regrowth.
Soft tissue grafting
A small amount of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth or extracted from existing gums and transplanted to cover the exposed root surfaces. Over time, blood vessels regenerate in this grafted tissue for complete integration.
Subepithelial connective tissue graft
This involves reshaping gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and securing it over receded areas with deep sutures. This method effectively restores lost gum tissues.
Growth factor application
Growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are applied to gum tissues to stimulate cells and blood vessels that aid tissue regeneration.
Bone grafting
Lost bone support due to gum recession can be restored through bone grafts. This helps provide a foundation for re-growing gum.
Post-treatment care for gum regrowth
After cosmetic procedures to restore receded gums around veneers, proper maintenance is vital for optimal results. Follow these tips for healthy gum regrowth:
– Maintain meticulous oral hygiene with brushing, flossing and mouthwash.
– Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently.
– Get regular dental cleanings and exams.
– Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
– Follow any special homecare instructions provided by your dentist.
– Take all prescribed antibiotics or medications to support healing.
– Avoid hard or chewy foods that can traumatize the tender tissues.
– Use desensitizing toothpaste if you have sensitivity.
Does gum contouring help regrow gums after veneers?
Gum contouring or re-shaping is sometimes done after veneers to correct uneven gumlines or excess gingival tissues. This procedure can help make your gums look fuller but does not regenerate lost gum tissues. However, it can indirectly support gum regrowth after veneers in some ways:
– Removing excess tissue provides a better environment for the gums to heal.
– Well-contoured gums are easier to keep plaque-free.
– Reshaping eliminates tension areas that could retard healing.
– It gives surrounding gums room to spread and rebound.
– Overall gum health is improved which boosts natural regeneration.
So gum contouring facilitates gum regrowth by optimizing conditions and removing impediments. But on its own it does not regrow receded gums after veneers. Additional regeneration procedures are usually needed for that.
Takeaways
– It is possible for gums to grow back partially after veneer treatment, but full regeneration is difficult. The amount of regrowth depends on the initial recession severity.
– Proper oral care, quitting smoking, managing clenching, and gum-boosting procedures help to regrow gum tissue.
– Treatments like pinhole surgery, soft tissue grafting and growth factors can restore lost gums around veneers.
– Even with treatment, recovery takes time. Proper follow-up care is key to maintain results.
– Some gum contouring after veneers may aid the regrowth process though it does not regenerate gum tissue on its own.
– Work closely with your dentist if you have gum recession post-veneers. Address it promptly for best chances of gum regrowth.
