Gum recession is a common problem among adults. It has several possible causes and can lead to serious oral health complications. Receding gums can be painful to endure, but the complication will not go away without dental intervention. While many people avoid pursuing a solution because they want to avoid uncomfortable treatment, they miss out on the possibilities of the less-invasive pinhole gum procedure offered by Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ.
How the Pinhole Gum Procedure Works
Gum grafts were once the go-to repair for gum recession, a treatment that required the cutting and suturing of gum tissue and a lengthy healing time. Pinhole gum treatment, however, eliminates major discomfort, speeds up healing, and delivers both a cosmetic and functional restoration for your smile. Here is what to expect from the treatment:
- Exam: Your Chandler dentist will conduct a dental exam to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
- Pinholes: The initial step is to make miniscule pinholes in the gum tissue.
- Loosening: The problematic gum tissue is loosened by passing an instrument through the pinholes.
- Repositioning: Natural gum tissue – no grafts – is repositioned over the recessed areas to conceal them.
- Insertion: Collagen is carefully inserted into the pinholes to hold the adjusted tissue in place.
- Healing: The results of this treatment are noticeable right away. Within two days, the pinholes shrink to an undetectable size, indicating that healing is nearly complete.
Many people fear the idea of gum grafts because the procedure is invasive and requires the removal of gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and suturing of it to the recessed area. No scalpels or sutures are needed in the pinhole gum procedure. The goal is to repair gum recession quickly and with as little discomfort as possible.
Imagine avoiding surgery, open wounds, stitches, and swelling and achieving a healthy, symmetrical smile that eliminates sensitivity and makes you feel good about yourself.
Causes of Gum Recession
Genetics play a major role in oral health and predisposes some people to developing gum recession. Other people have habits or dental issues that result in gum complications. The most common causes of gum recession include:
- Teeth grinding: Unconsciously grinding and clenching your teeth every night not only causes pain throughout your mouth, head, and neck, it can also lead to oral health problems like damaged dental work, broken enamel, and, of course, gum recession. A customized night guard can put a stop to teeth grinding and its side effects.
- Gum disease: Gum disease can cause gum recession and gum recession can lead to gum disease. Either way, if you take good care of your teeth and see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups, you can avoid gum disease and its fallout.
- Misalignment: When teeth are crooked or misaligned, they can place too much pressure on the wrong areas of your mouth repeatedly instead of distributing the force throughout. If you use Invisalign or another orthodontic method to straighten your bite, this effort will also protect your gums and help prevent recessed gums.
- Heavy-handed brushing: Sometimes it’s bad habits that can damage your oral health. Brushing your teeth hard does not substitute for brushing long enough or well enough and, in fact, this behavior can lead to gum recession over time. An electric toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush can help stop this side effect from escalating.
Get a Pinhole Gum Procedure in Chandler, AZ
Gum recession develops gradually, making it even more important to see your dentist regularly for exams. If you are diagnosed with gum recession or recognize that your gums are shifting, don’t hesitate to reach out to Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ, and inquire about the pinhole gum procedure. You can change your life, comfort, and smile in one easy treatment. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
