Hold On

Gum recession happens to people of all ages. Most of us aren’t aware of it right away

because gum loss usually occurs gradually over time. Symptoms include but are not

limited to tooth sensitivity, pain at the gum line, exposed roots, and swollen gums.

You can take proactive measures to help prevent gum loss, but once it occurs it’s

impossible to naturally reverse the process on your own. Left untreated or

undertreated, gum recession can cause a snowball effect. Bacterial build-up, for

example, leads to inflammation and more recession, giving you that long in the tooth

look, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.

With regular dental check-ups, your dentist can determine whether you suffer from

gum disease and or receding gums. The goal is to treat your gum loss to keep it from

worsening. But what if it’s too late and your gum recession has gone too far?

Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions.

Gum Grafting Surgery

Traditional gum grafting surgery involves tissues being cut and stitched to cover

exposed roots. This may include taking tissue from the palate to graft onto existing

gum tissue, or it may involve cutting the gums, stretching them to cover roots, and

then suturing them together.

Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation

This technique is considered to be less invasive, less painful, and requires less

recovery time than traditional gum grafting. During the procedure, a small pinhole is

made in the gums so they can be repositioned to cover exposed roots. Collagen is

then injected into pinholes to ensure the gums remain as they have been positioned.

Results are immediate.

LANAP Procedure

During this relatively quick, virtually painless, and minimally invasive procedure, a

precision laser is used to eliminate bacterial pockets formed by periodontal disease,

allowing gum tissues and even bone to regenerate. The LANAP protocol is the first

and only protocol to receive FDA clearance for True Regeneration, growing new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone. Patient scan usually return to normal activities within 24 hours after treatment.

Tissue Regeneration

Tissue regeneration uses a platelet concentrate gel applied to a collagen membraneas the graft instead of using tissue from the roof of the mouth. The graft is soaked inthe patient’s platelets using blood drawn in the same visit. Placed over the receding tooth root, the graft is then surgically secured.If you have or suspect you have gum loss, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Effectively treated, you can reduce the likelihood of further gum recession and keep your teeth from becoming loose and falling out.

Common Causes of Gum Loss

Overly aggressive tooth brushing

Inadequate brushing and flossing

Periodontal disease

Genetic predisposition

Hormonal changes (especially in women)

Clenching or grinding your teeth

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite

Use of tobacco products

Gum tissue trauma (such as a sports injury)

Open mouth breathing