Bone loss and severe gum recesion

[jonathannah]

I have severe gum loss on my right side (lower is worse) and moderate loss on the left.Front gums are fine.  Teeth are fine and I brush (soft bristle) & floss regularly, always have.   Front teeth are fine.  My dentist has told me that I have a bite problem an the grinding pressure on my molars has caused bone loss and gum recession.  I went to a periodontist a few years ago, and he agreed with the assessment of the bite problem.  We discussed braces, but his concern was the the bone loss was such that once moved, the teeth might not set.  So we have not done anything other than frequent cleaning, and a night guard.  The recession on the right side continues to worsen, and two of my lower right molars have such severe loss that the bifurcated part is well exposed.  I am guessing that I will lose these teeth.  

Anyway, I will see an orthodontist soon, and I am wondering what options I have.  IS 30% + bone loss too substantial for orthodontics? Can bone and gum grafts repair the regression.
Thanks.

[scottma]

Seeing an occlusionist( occlusion dentist), or prosthodontist is advised.

[JessicaRDH]

I agree...you may need an occlusal adjustment by a Dentist who is skilled in this to hopefully alleviate the grinding issue. Exposed bifurcations are never a great thing...definitely keep the frequent cleanings up and maybe ask your Dentist about Metronidazole (Flagyl) which we use in our office for some Periodontitis patients...it's an antibiotic that fights the 4 major types of bacteria found in people with Perio and can sometimes bring a slight amount of bone back. Hope this helps :)

-Jessica, Registered Dental Hygienist