Are your gums receding, making your teeth appear longer or causing sensitivity? Gum recession is a common dental issue that can negatively impact your oral health and confidence.
The good news is that effective treatments are available to restore your gums and protect your teeth. At our Alpharetta office, we offer personalized gum recession treatments to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession occurs when gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back from teeth, exposing more of the tooth or tooth root. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth sensitivity, root decay, gum disease, aesthetic concerns (i.e. uneven gums or longer-looking teeth), and even tooth loss.
It is most common in people over the age of 40, but can begin much sooner in some cases.
But there’s good news – modern treatments can effectively restore your gums and protect your smile.
Signs and symptoms of gum recession
- Sensitive teeth
- Visible tooth roots
- Longer-looking teeth
- Darker areas near gum line
- Food collection between teeth
- Inflammation or bleeding
- Uneven gum line
What Causes Gum Recession?
Some of the most common factors that contribute to gum recession include:
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease seems to be the leading cause of gum recession.
- Aggressive Brushing: If you brush the teeth too hard, you can wear away the gum tissue.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum recession due to their genetic makeup.
- Teeth Grinding: Bruxism can put excess pressure on gums.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting dental care can lead to gum issues.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can harm gum tissue.
In our Alpharetta dentist office, we can help reverse gum recession through innovative procedures like the Pinhole Surgical Technique or Gum Grafting.
Gum Recession Treatment Option: Pinhole Surgical Technique®:
When the gumline recedes, the roots of the teeth can become exposed. This can lead to tooth decay below the gumline. PST is a treatment technique that is used to correct gum recession and to help prevent gumline tooth decay.
Unlike traditional surgical options for treating gum recession, the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is incision-free and non-invasive. A tiny hole is created, and your gums are gently shifted into their proper position. PST requires no cutting or sutures at any point in the treatment.
Our dentist has been trained and certified to use PST as part of our ongoing commitment to provide the latest techniques and technologies to our patients.
Conventional treatment for gum recession involves the grafting of new soft tissue onto the patient’s gums. Tissue used for this type of graft is typically sourced either from the patient’s own body or from a donor. Once obtained, the new tissue is carefully sutured into place along the gums, where it integrates with the surrounding gum tissue during the healing process. This traditional approach has been a reliable solution for addressing gum recession.
In contrast, the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) offers similar outcomes with notable advantages, such as reduced discomfort and other benefits.
During the PST procedure, our gentle, skilled dentist uses a small needle to create a tiny opening, or “pinhole,” in the gum tissue. Specialized tools are then employed to gently loosen and reposition the gum tissue through this opening, restoring its proper coverage. This method eliminates the need for cutting or suturing at any stage of the treatment.
With the pinhole surgical technique, you can expect:
- Minimally invasive
- No incisions or sutures
- Faster recovery time
- Immediate results
- Multiple teeth treated at once
Additional benefits of PST include
- Patients experience less discomfort during treatment and recovery with PST than with conventional surgical treatment.
- Patients have reduced recovery time with PST than with grafting.
- PST does not require sutures.
- PST involves no invasive cutting.
- PST does not use tissue grafting.
- Patients will notice immediate cosmetic improvement with PST.
- PST provides long-lasting results.
Other gum recession treatment options
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline, promoting healthy gum reattachment.
- Laser Therapy: A precise, non-invasive option to treat gum disease and encourage tissue regeneration.
- Desensitizing Agents or Bonding: For mild cases, these can help protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
Benefits of Treating Gum Recession
- Improved Oral Health: Protects your mouth from tooth decay, root decay, bone loss, tooth loss, gum health issues and gum disease.
- Reduced Tooth Sensitivity: Restore oral comfort by shielding exposed tooth roots.
- Enhanced Appearance: Restores a balanced, natural-looking gumline.
- Boosted Confidence: Feel better about your smile and overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession Treatment
While receded gum tissue doesn’t grow back naturally, treatments like gum grafting or the Pinhole Surgical Technique® can restore lost tissue and improve your gumline.
We prioritize your comfort with advanced techniques and local anesthesia. Many treatments are minimally invasive, with quick recovery times.
Recovery time varies depending on the treatment. Non-surgical procedures have little to no downtime, while surgical options may require a week or two of healing.
- Pinhole: 1-2 days
- Traditional grafting: 1-2 weeks
- Minimal disruption to daily life
- Clear recovery guidelines provided
If left untreated, gum recession can expose roots and weaken teeth, increasing the risk of decay, infection, and tooth loss.
Maintain good oral hygiene, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and visit our dentist on a routine basis for cleanings and checkups. If you grind your teeth, a custom nightguard can help.
Coverage varies by plan, but many insurance policies include benefits for periodontal treatments. We’ll help you navigate your financial options.
Treatment time varies:
- Pinhole technique: 1-2 hours
- Traditional grafting: 1-2 hours per area
- One or multiple sessions possible
- Customized to your needs
We provide comprehensive prevention strategies:
- Proper brushing techniques
- Appropriate tools and products
- Regular dental check-ups
- Bite adjustment if needed
- Customized dental care plan
Call us today in Alpharetta to schedule an appointment
Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is certified to provide PST for gum recession treatments. The entire team is committed to providing state-of-the-art dentistry with comfort and care.
For more information on the Pinhole Surgical Technique or to schedule a consultation for gum recession treatment, contact our office today.