Gum recession can become a health concern when it leads to the exposure of the roots of your teeth. Exposed roots can increase the risk of tooth loss, infection, and decay. They might also recede around teeth that are in an abnormal position.
To avert this risk, you must begin treatment as early as possible to stop or even reverse the progress of gum recession. Severe gum recession can cause tooth pain, sensitivity, or infection. Fortunately, various treatments for this condition are available such as tissue grafts, the pinhole surgical technique, and deep cleaning.
Gum recession is a common form of gum disease. You may not realize that your gums are receding until the late stages of the condition’s progress. Gum recession happens when gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth, thereby exposing the roots underneath.
Some factors leading to receding gums include smoking, heavy drinking, and genetics. Gum recession can be severe, moderate, or mild. Furthermore, it may affect one or more teeth.
Treatment for receding gums largely depends on the condition’s cause. If you have a mild case of gum recession, non-surgical treatments may improve your condition. These include orthodontics, dental bonding, or topical antibiotics. However, surgery may be necessary in severe cases to fully fix the problem.
Gum recession is common as people age or because of gum disease. Recessed gums can negatively affect your smile. They can also leave your mouth vulnerable to infections.
Tissue grafting is a traditional treatment approach for recessed gums. It involves the surgical removal of graft tissue from another part of the mouth, such as the roof of the mouth, and grafting it over the recessed area. Dental professionals can also use synthetic variants or donor tissue to reduce the condition’s invasive nature.
Though effective, gum grafting is an invasive procedure. It typically requires the use of sutures, grafting material, and scalpels. Also, it involves a more extended recovery period than the pinhole surgical technique.
This procedure corrects gum recession by making a tiny hole in the recessed area of the gum. The dental surgeon will insert a specialized instrument through the pinhole to lift the periosteum and push it into its proper position.
Once positioned, the surgeon will place collagen strips through the pinhole and push them under the gingiva to cover the previously exposed roots’ surfaces. The collagen strips will support the gum tissue in its new position and enable the healing process.
Both PST and gum grafting are effective treatment options for recessed gums. However, PST provides several unique benefits compared to gum grafting. Some of these include:
No tissue grafting required
Faster recovery time
Immediate results
Minimal discomfort during and after treatment
No need for sutures
No need for scalpels
Reduced treatment time
Both procedures are effective for correcting gum recession. However, it would help if you determined the treatment best suited for your needs. To do so, schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist.
For more on gum recession, visit Implant Dentistry Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation at our office in Tampa or Wesley Chapel, Florida. Call 813-517-0100 or 813-973-7770 to request an appointment today.
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