A Guide to Gum Recession – Causes, Advanced Microsurgical Treatments, And More
The phrase “long in the tooth” refers to getting on in age. While the teeth are not actually longer, the process of gum recession exposes more of the white part of each tooth (its crown). Receding gums are often associated with aging; however, they can also be a sign of gum disease. As a board-certified specialist in the treatment of gum disease, periodontist Dr. Tyler Hendry has invested in an array of technologies to treat receding gums. Advanced procedures at Glendale Periodontics & Dental Implants also rebuild a healthy, balanced gumline in the least invasive way possible. Patients in the greater Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena, California area appreciate the convenience, efficiency, and gentle and precise nature of our minimally invasive, microsurgical techniques.
Why are my gums receding?
Gum disease is the No. 1 cause. As gum disease worsens, the gums pull away from the teeth. The periodontal pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums harbor bacteria and plaque. Without treatment, gum disease will continue to progress. In addition to severe gum disease, receding gums may be attributed to genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), aggressive brushing and flossing, misaligned teeth, lip and tongue piercings, and tobacco use.
What happens if I don’t treat my receding gums?
As the spaces between the teeth grow larger, gum disease develops and worsens. In addition to periodontal disease, gum recession is also a risk factor for tooth decay. Receding gums can expose the tooth roots. Since the tooth roots are softer than enamel, they are more vulnerable to sensitivity and erosion. Without appropriate and prompt treatment, root exposure can lead to fractures, dental damage, and even tooth loss.
How do you treat gum recession?
All treatments start with a consultation to understand your needs. Only when Dr. Hendry understands your needs can he then make treatment recommendations that are appropriate for your situation. He considers factors such as the extent of gum recession when determining the best treatment options for you. In general, we use minimally invasive techniques as an alternative to traditional gum graft surgery.
What is minimally invasive treatment?
Traditional gum graft surgery is often a long and painful process. Due to advancements in dental science and technology, Dr. Hendry can now repair gums quickly and comfortably with a procedure known as “microsurgery.” This treatment involves using tiny instruments with illuminated microscopes to perform gum grafting. The graft or new tissue is inserted through a small tunnel created in the neck of the tooth. There are no cuts or large incisions. In turn, the process involves far less suturing and far less post-treatment discomfort.
Another exciting development in the treatment of receding gums is the Pinhole® Surgical Technique. Treatment is performed through microscopic pinholes. Via these tiny openings, Dr. Hendry gently shifts the gum tissue over to the area that needs it the most. The utmost healthy tissue is preserved, and treatment can be completed in just one visit.
What can I expect from the gum grafting process at your practice?
While no two treatment plans are the same, all procedures for gum recession largely involve the same basic steps:
- With microsurgical gum grafting, gum tissue is obtained during the same visit as the actual gum graft (traditional surgery requires a separate visit to collect the tissue, followed by a one- to two-week healing period).
- Sometimes, donor gum tissue or synthetic tissue is used. Alternatively, we may combine collagen with the Pinhole® Surgical Technique to stabilize the gums in their new position.
- A special microscope with up to 24 times the magnification is then used to view the inside of your mouth. By increasing the field of vision, Dr. Hendry can precisely apply small instruments through tiny incisions, supporting highly accurate and successful surgery.
- The full mouth can be treated in two two-hour visits. When only a few teeth are affected, treatments can be completed in around 40 minutes.
- Plasma-rich growth factors (PRGF) may also be incorporated into treatment. Derived from your own blood, PRGF is a healing powerhouse that encourages fast, natural, and predictable tissue regeneration and repair.
How does treatment feel?
Thanks to our advanced microsurgical techniques, treatment is well tolerated with local anesthesia. No prescription pain medication is needed following treatment. OTC pain meds may be taken as required. While traditional gum grafting techniques can take weeks to heal, the small incisions associated with our approach typically heal in just one to two days.
This merely scratches the surface of the numerous benefits associated with state-of-the-art treatment for gum recession at a specialist’s office. To learn more, please call (818) 240-4555 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hendry at Glendale Periodontics & Dental Implants.
