Cavities and Root Notching

Receded gums can allow root notching and root surface decay to occur. When this happens, not only do you have to worry about tooth loss, esthetic problems, and tooth sensitivity, but you have to worry about the cavity or notch destroying your tooth. Once your cavity is removed, a soft tissue graft procedure can be placed over the tooth to restore the lost tissue and cover up the cavity or tooth notch. This helps to stop the cavities progression and to prevent additional recession, bone loss and possibly tooth loss.

Sometimes there is a preexisting filling that was placed to deep over an area of recession and notching. This root surface filling can develop decay and need to be removed and repaired. It is sometimes possible to remove the filling, and place a tissue graft over the area to repair the lost tissue.