Periodontal disease is an infection that occurs due to plaque buildup around the roots of your teeth and around the soft tissue. When this happens, you may experience symptoms like sensitivity to the area, swelling, and bad breath. In more advanced stages, you may begin to notice that your gums are receding, which exposes more of your tooth’s structure and can cause several oral health problems. Dr. Kania in Encinitas, CA, may be able to help treat the receding gingivae with minimally invasive pinhole grafts.

Dangers Of Gum Recession

Your gums help hold your teeth in place and act as a protective barrier against bacteria. They can begin to pull back gradually over time due to factors like aggressive brushing, smoking, and of course periodontal disease. Periodontitis can cause recession because the buildup of plaque and tartar begins to cause inflammation to the soft tissue. Over time, this irritation breaks down the soft tissues and forms pockets, eventually causing your tissue to recede from the teeth. This can be harmful for your oral health, as it can make you more susceptible to tooth loss, decay, and can make your teeth more sensitive. Receding tissue is often a symptom of advanced stages of periodontitis but can happen in the earlier stages in some case.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

Recession can cause discomfort and put you at risk of oral health complications. Luckily, we may be able to help treat this problem with a minimally invasive surgical technique called pinhole grafting. With this procedure, a small hole is made in the tissue to gently move the gingivae back into place and then add collagen material for stability. Unlike traditional grafting procedures, this method does not require scalpels and can heal quite quickly. In addition to improved appearance of your gums, this procedure can also protect your smile from the effects of advanced periodontitis.

Addressing Tooth Loss For Periodontal Patients

One of the most important reasons we perform grafting procedures is to prevent tooth loss for patients. If you have experienced tooth loss due to gum disease, it’s important to find a way to replace your teeth and prevent further bone loss. Dental implants are often used for this purpose, as they can replace your missing teeth and also provide long-term stability to your jawbone. Pinhole grafting may be necessary before receiving implants to ensure your gums can support the implant. To learn more about your treatment options for periodontal disease, contact our team today.

Talk To Our Team To Learn More

If you are currently experiencing receding tissue due to periodontal disease, this minimally invasive procedure may be able to protect your smile. Call Dr. Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711 to learn more.