When you have a more severe case of periodontal disease, you could notice your gums receding. This periodontal recession could lead to serious discomfort and major oral health complications. Instead of traditional gum grafts, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist can offer a minimally invasive alternative using the Pinhole Surgical technique and dental lasers!
The Causes and Dangers of Receding Gums
When we develop periodontal disease, this could lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including sore and red gums, as well as bleeding when we brush and floss. Over time as the disease progresses, the gums could also recede. This recession makes the teeth appear longer than usual, changing the appearance of your smile. Receding tissues also expose the portions of the roots not protected by tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay and infection. This also signals a more advanced stage of the disease, which could eventually increase the risk of tooth loss! But our team can help with a conservative alternative to traditional gum grafts known as the Pinhole Surgical Technique.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique
With this option, we don’t need to take tissues from other parts of your mouth to over the exposed portions of the roots. Instead, we will make a miniscule pinhole in the periodontal tissues and add a special collagen material. We then manipulate the tissues so that they cover the exposed roots. At the same time, we take care to ensure the gum line is even and symmetrical, so you have a more attractive appearance. The procedure only takes one visit to complete and will aid the process with the use of advanced dental lasers.
Assistance with Dental Lasers
Our dental laser systems include the LANAP, REPAIR with WaterLase, and Fotona systems. These have been specially calibrated to handle soft and hard tissue concerns. Our team can use them to make adjustments to the gums and underlying tissues in preparation for the procedure. They target areas with precision so healthy gums and tissue remain intact, and the process is fast and comfortable too. The lack of scalpels and sutures means the area heals faster, and that the risk of bleeding, infection, and swelling is much lower too. Along with aiding in this gum grafting alternative, we can use them to trim away diseased tissues and to even aid in treating sleep apnea or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you have any questions about laser dentistry, then contact our team today. We want to help you smile with confidence!
Schedule Your Appointment for a Gum Grafting
We’re ready to take on recession and improve your periodontal health with laser dentistry. To learn more about improving your gum line, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.