When you look in the mirror at your smile, have you noticed that your teeth appear longer than normal? Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity?
If so, you could be in the early stages of gum recession.
Frequently caused by gum disease, this condition occurs when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth. This sometimes exposes the roots of your teeth, causing “pockets” or gaps between your teeth and gumline that attract nasty bacteria.
Not only is gum recession uncomfortable and aesthetically unpleasant, but it also opens the door for further dental complications like chronic bad breath and tooth decay.
There is good news though: It’s easier than ever to repair damage from gum recession with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique! Unlike traditional methods for restoring a healthy gumline, this innovative procedure requires no sutures, surgical cutting, or tissue grafts.
And we offer it at Beaumont Family Dentistry’s three convenient locations in Lexington, KY! Read on for more information, and then give us a call to see if the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique can restore your gum health.
- Beaumont: 859-223-2120
- Hamburg: 859-687-0975
- Leestown: 859-368-8260
A Minimally Invasive Solution To Gum Recession
Traditionally, gumline recession has been repaired with gum grafting. This approach involves removing a small amount of healthy tissue and placing it on top of the receded gumline.
This encourages regrowth of healthy tissue and any bone that may have been lost as a result of the gum recession. It can take a week or two for you to fully heal after the procedure.
But in recent years, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique has made it possible to restore a healthy gumline quickly and without surgical cutting!
The procedure can be completed in as little as an hour, and many patients find that they make a full recovery within 24 to 48 hours.
Here’s how it works. When you come to Beaumont Family Dentistry for your procedure, we’ll make a few tiny holes in your gums. Then, we’ll gently reposition your gum tissue using special tools so that it will better protect your teeth.
You’ll leave our office with a healthier and more beautiful smile!
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding your teeth. It occurs when bacteria builds up along and under the gumline.
There are two types of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a more mild form of gum disease, marked by gums that are inflamed and red. This type of gum disease can be eradicated easily with a nonsurgical treatment that thoroughly cleans the gumline.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that can occur if gingivitis is not properly addressed. It’s commonly marked by gumline recession. Unlike with gingivitis, once you have periodontitis, gum disease cannot be cured; it can only be managed.
How Do I Know If My Gums Are Receding?
Gumline recession happens gradually, so it’s sometimes difficult to tell until serious damage has been done.
One of the first things people experiencing gum recession notice is teeth sensitivity, caused by foods or drinks that are hot, cold, or sweet. Another early indication is that the teeth take on a strange, elongated appearance.
Keeping up with your routine dental exams and cleanings — once every six months — will help you catch the problem early and address it promptly so it doesn’t worsen.
If you’re due for a dentist visit, give Beaumont Family Dentistry a call! We’re proud to provide high quality comprehensive dental care and patient education.
What Happens If Gum Recession Is Not Properly Repaired?
Even though it can be tempting to postpone treatment of gumline recession, the problem rarely goes away on its own. In fact, the longer you put off repairing the damage, the worse the problem is likely to become.
As gum recession progresses, it creates “pockets” between your teeth and gumline. These pockets expose the roots of your teeth and become prime real estate for bacteria. Flossing and brushing aren’t effective at removing the buildup from these areas, which can cause bad breath.
Plus, bacterial buildup along the gums can cause your teeth to decay, which can cause infection and require extraction down the road. The more damage that’s allowed to occur because of gum disease, the harder it becomes to restore your oral health.
If you’re experiencing indicators of gum tissue loss, or if another dentist has told you that you will need a gum grafting procedure in the near future, give Beaumont Family Dentistry a call and ask about the innovative Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique.
A dentist must receive special training in order to offer this minimally invasive procedure, and Beaumont Family Dentistry has two doctors who are qualified to perform it! Call us today at one of our three locations, or fill out our online form.