Receding Gums Treatment at Goldstein Dental Group in Novi, MI
Do you have receding gums? You are not alone. This common condition affects up to 12 percent of adults, and because it develops gradually over time, many are unaware of the problem.
When the gum tissue that surrounds a tooth recedes, exposing more of the tooth and its root, you might experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods. In addition to creating an unattractive appearance, gum recession can result in damage to the bone that supports the tooth. In severe cases, the tooth may be lost.
What Causes Receding Gums?
The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease caused by bacterial infections. Poor dental hygiene encourages plaque to turn into tartar and cause gums to recede, but some people have a genetic predisposition for gum disease regardless of how well they care for their teeth.
Other people brush their teeth in an aggressive way that causes tooth enamel to erode. Those with misaligned teeth, or people who clench or grind their teeth, often have gum recession from the excessive force applied to the teeth.
The fluctuating hormones that women experience in pregnancy and menopause can make gums vulnerable to recession, and tobacco users are more prone to develop plaque on their teeth that leads to gum recession.
Do I Need a Tissue Graft?
Traditionally, gum recession that involved excess loss of bone and deep pockets has required a gum tissue graft.
In the most common procedure, called a soft tissue graft, a flap of skin is cut in the roof of your mouth and the dentist removes a piece of connective tissue. He stiches this tissue to the gum area around the exposed tooth root. The flap on the roof of your mouth is stitched shut.
In a free gingival graft, the dentist takes tissue directly from the roof of your mouth. If there is sufficient tissue surrounding the tooth, the dentist can perform a pedicle graft using the tissue from that area.
How to Stop Receding Gums
Today there is a less invasive, modern alternative to gum surgery called the Chao Pinhole surgical technique. In Goldstein Dental Group’s ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-art dental procedures to patients, Dr. Goldstein has become certified in the Chao Pinhole surgical technique, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery perfected and patented by Dr. John Chao, DDS.
This non-surgical procedure uses no scalpels and requires no sutures. In the Chao Pinhole technique, a small needle-hole is created in the gum and precision instruments are used to gently loosen gum tissue and ease it over the recessed part of a tooth to re-establish the gum line.
- The recovery period is quick
- There is no pain, swelling, or bleeding
- Your appearance is improved immediately
Call 248.374.2273 to schedule an evaluation.