When you have receding gums due to periodontal disease, then your smile’s appearance could change and your teeth appear long and uneven. This also means you have a more advanced case of periodontal disease, one linked to tooth loss. But your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist can offer a conservative alternative to traditional gum grafts with the Pinhole Surgical Technique®.

The Causes of Gum Recession

When we develop gum disease, which often occurs due to untreated gum inflammation, or gingivitis, this can grow in severity with time. Eventually, your gums could begin to pull away for the teeth, which in turn exposes sensitive tooth structure and makes your teeth appear long or uneven. The exposed portions of root structure are very vulnerable to tooth decay and infection, so your oral health suffers and uncomfortable symptoms could arise. As part of your treatment to manage the disease and prevent tooth loss, we need to cover these exposed portions of your teeth and reshape the gum line. With the Pinhole Surgical Technique, we have a gum graft alternative that can accomplish this!

An Alternative to Traditional Grafting

With the traditional gum grafting option, our team would take tissue from other parts of your mouth and use it to cover the teeth and reshape the gum line. While effective, we have a more conservative and less involved alternative. With the Pinhole Surgical technique, our team will make a minuscule hole in the gums and add a special collagen material. We then manipulate the tissues to cover the teeth and ensure proper symmetry in the gums. You can smile with confidence! Our team then uses preventive holistic options like cleanings, Supportive Periodontal Maintenance, or Ozone Therapy to manage the disease and prevent recession and tooth loss in the future.

Laser Dentistry

Our team may start the procedure with laser dentistry, using this advanced technology to prepare and modify gum and bone structure as part of the treatment. Lasers can target areas with greater precision than scalpels, and prevent damage to healthy structures. The lack of sutures means the area heals quickly, so you return to your normal activities in a shorter period. The technology also reduces the risk of bleeding, infection, and swelling in the days to come. If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat issues like gum recession with a Pinhole Surgical Technique, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Periodontal Treatments?

Our team wants to help you smile with confidence and enjoy better gum health. If you would like to find out more about the treatments we offer to boost smile beauty, then please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.