When you have an untreated case of periodontal disease, this could eventually reach a more advanced stage, one linked to gum recession. The receding tissues could expose portions of the roots and weaken attachment tissues, meaning your smile is more vulnerable to serious oral health complications. But we can help! In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about our pinhole approach to gum grafts!
When Smiles Need Grafting
When your periodontal disease causes tissues to pull away from the teeth, this could expose portions of the roots that don’t have enamel, which means a much higher risk of tooth decay and dental infection. The recession also weakens the connective tissues between the teeth and gums, so the risk of eventual tooth loss is much higher too. To avoid discomfort and embarrassing changes to the appearance of your smile, we can offer a unique alternative to traditional gum grafting with the Pinhole Surgical Technique, so you can enjoy a healthier and more attractive smile.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique
Our team will administer a local anesthetic so you feel comfortable as we correct your recession. If you have dental anxiety, we can also discuss sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. We then make a very small pinhole in the gum tissues and add a special collagen material. Our team then manipulates the tissues so they cover the teeth. We also take time to ensure proper gum line symmetry too. Our team may also employ dental lasers to help adjust or make modifications to gum and bone structures. The procedure only takes one visit, and you can often return to your normal routine after a day or two of rest. For many, this can help improve oral health and smile beauty.
Maintaining Your Smile
Periodontal disease cannot be cured, and routine treatment is needed to help manage the disease and protect you from recession and tooth loss. Following your grafting procedure, we may recommend a cleaning or Supportive Periodontal Maintenance every three to four months to control harmful plaque and tartar buildup. We can also discuss proper care or your smile at home, so you can keep the disease managed and keep your smile whole. If you have any questions about how we correct your smile with the Pinhole Surgical Technique, or if you want to schedule a visit and use your 2024 dental benefits before they expire, then contact our team today.
Talk to Dr. Kania About Our Conservative Gum Grafts
Our team wants to help restore the health and appearance of your smile! To learn more about how our team can offer an attractive smile again, or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at our office in Encinitas, CA today at 760-642-0711.