Gum recession can be a daunting problem. Besides aging your smile, it can cause severe tooth sensitivity. Treatment is almost always necessary to prevent complications like infection, decay, and tooth loss. 

Gum Recession

When gum recession happens, disease-causing bacteria can start accumulating in the gap created. That can damage the surrounding dental tissue or cause infection, tooth decay, and tooth loss.  

Gum recession makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Also, you experience more tooth sensitivity when eating or brushing your teeth. Your condition can be mild, moderate, or severe and may affect one or more teeth. 

What Causes Gum Recession?

You may suffer from this condition for several reasons, but gum disease is the most common. In its advanced stages, periodontitis can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving most of the tooth or root exposed. Gum recession can result from the following:

 

• Brushing your teeth too aggressively
   

• Fluctuating female hormones
   

• Accumulation of tartar
   

• Using an excessively abrasive toothbrush
   

• Diabetes
   

• Teeth grinding or clenching
   

• Injury or trauma to the gum tissue
   

• Tooth misalignment
   

• Tongue and lip piercings
   

• HIV/AIDS

Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase your risk of developing gum recession. Poor dental hygiene can contribute to this condition, but this is not always the case. Furthermore, you may have a genetic predisposition to thin gum tissue. Whatever the cause, timely treatment can help prevent long-term dental health problems. 

Symptoms

The most obvious sign of this oral condition is the visual one. When people with receding gums smile, their teeth usually appear longer than usual. In severe cases, the roots of the teeth are visible. Other symptoms include:

 

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
   

• Persistent bad breath
   

• Pus surrounding the gums or teeth
   

• Bad taste in the mouth
   

• Sensitivity to sweets, cold, and heat
   

• Discomfort or pain near the gum line
   

• Sensitivity when flossing or brushing or during dental cleanings

What Is Pinhole Surgery?

Pinhole surgery, also known as lunchtime gum lift or pinhole gum rejuvenation, is a minimally invasive oral procedure for fixing gum recession. Periodontists require special training in this treatment to do it correctly.  

Chao Pinhole Surgery

Invented and patented by Dr. John Chao, this treatment is scalpel- and suture-free. That means that patients enjoy faster recovery times and fewer complications. Periodontists use a needle to make a small hole in the gum. 

Once they make this entry hole, they use a unique tool to loosen and manipulate gum tissue over the exposed tooth up to the desired level. The periodontist then inserts collagen strips into the incision to hold the rearranged gum tissue in place. The cosmetic effect instantly gives the patient an even, beautiful smile.

Benefits 

Although traditional gum grafting is effective and largely successful, more patients choose Chao Pinhole Surgery because it is minimally invasive, has a faster recovery, and shows immediate results. Also, it offers the ability to treat several areas of the gum in one session and reduce the risk of complications.

Are you looking for a permanent fix for your receding gums? If so, consult your dentist about pinhole surgery. Your periodontist will give you a dental exam to determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment.

For more on gum recession, visit Le Smile Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at our Falls Church, Virginia office. Call (703) 534-6226 to schedule an appointment today.