Your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you. If your gums have begun pulling away from your teeth, the roots may become exposed and your smile can appear “off” as the teeth look unnaturally long. This often happens when someone has receding gums, where gum tissue is lost along the gumline.
Not only is gum recession unattractive, but it can be painful with heightened sensitivity as tooth roots are exposed to hot and cold temperatures from air and the foods and beverages consumed. Gum recession from periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis or advanced periodontitis) can lead to tooth decay, infections and ultimately, tooth loss.
Receding gums can arise from:
– Gum disease or trauma to the gum tissues
– Grinding your teeth in your sleep
– Brushing your teeth harshly or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
– Misaligned teeth
– A family history of gum recession
– The natural aging process
The good news is, your top periodontist, Dr. Kalashini Miller and her team of specialists in Palm Desert, California, have two top-notch treatments for gum recession to give you back your healthy, beautiful smile – soft tissue grafting and the renowned Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
You are in expert hands with Dr. Miller treating your gums, utilizing her years of schooling, specialty training, hands-on experience, and continuing education. She is a certified Chao Pinhole® Technique professional adept in this minimally invasive gum treatment that is scalpel, suture and graft-free. Depending on your unique needs, you may have a soft-tissue or gingival graft done or the pinhole technique. Let’s take a look!
Soft Tissue Graft
The gingival soft tissue graft takes healthy gum tissue from either the palate in your mouth or from a donor and is grafted over the exposed tooth root and secured into place. This graft protects the affected tooth and keeps supporting jawbone material from receding further and preventing further bone loss and tooth decay. It effectively lessens tooth sensitivity and improves your smile’s natural appearance.
Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique
This treatment is an innovative, minimally invasive technique results in less bleeding and discomfort. Dr. Miller simply makes a small hole in the gum tissue with a needle and then loosens the gum tissue in this tiny area. Using special tools, she takes existing gum tissue to adjust and cover the exposed tooth roots. Patients love this treatment option because the procedure is shorter, the recovery time quicker and the natural-looking results are long-lasting! There is no need for donor tissue or grafts, and no incisions necessary.
To keep your tooth roots healthy, you will want to practice excellent daily oral hygiene care and see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and detecting problems in the early stages. Gum recession is serious, it not only detracts from your beautiful smile but forms gum pockets that can allow bacteria and infection to set in, leaving you with a host of dental problems.
If you notice tooth sensitivity or a more gummy smile, we recommend reaching out to the professionals at Palm Desert Center for Advanced Periodontics, Cosmetic, Sedation and Implant Dentistry. Dr. Kalashini Miller and her team are proud to serve the Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs and neighboring communities of the Coachella Valley with top-of-the-line treatment options. Please call 760-851-0314 today. With the holidays approaching, make time for that which is most important!