Minimally-invasive gum recession treatment in Carlsbad, CA
Does it look like your teeth have gotten longer? Do you have dark triangles between teeth, at the gum line? Does flossing feel different than it used to? You could have a dental condition called gum recession. Dr. Al A. Fallah is trained in an innovative treatment. Men and women in Carlsbad, CA, and across the region are taking advantage of this non-surgical technique that provides immediate results.
Why gums recede
Although genetics plays some role in the shade, healthy gums are[teaserbreak] generally light coral pink. They seal firmly, creating a smooth scalloped shape above each tooth. Gum disease causes these tissues to look red, blotchy, or purplish. Gums may appear puffy and have ragged edges, as they pull away from teeth.
While gum recession is a common symptom of periodontal disease, other factors can also cause gums to retreat:
- Aggressive brushing – You may be trying to get teeth extra clean, but a stiff toothbrush and a lot of pressure can be counterproductive. Heavy-handed brushing (especially when combined with improper technique) repeatedly pushes gums back, damaging the delicate tissues.
- Eventually, gums are no longer able to rebound, and shrink further.
- Insufficient hygiene – Oral bacteria create a sticky biofilm for protection and to trap bits of food debris. It is not easy to remove every bit of this plaque with a brush and floss. Without regular professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar or calculus at the gum line. This rough edge irritates gums and contributes to recession.
- Tobacco – Chemicals from smoking and smokeless tobacco are irritants to gum tissue and make plaque extra sticky and hard to remove.
- Bruxing – Clenching and grinding places teeth under tremendous pressure. While bruxing can be extremely damaging to teeth and trigger TMJ problems, it also aggravates tooth roots and connective tissues, which makes gums vulnerable to recession.
- Misalignment – Teeth that do not come together properly also create undue force on teeth, roots, and ligaments, affecting gums.
- Hormonal changes – Fluctuations at puberty, pregnancy, and menopause make women’s gums sensitive and prone to recession.
- Oral piercings – Lip or tongue jewelry can be the culprit of gum recession in a defined area.
rtant to note that gum tissue can be healthy (not diseased), and still pull back from teeth. Call Our Office For More Information call us at (760) 730-1600 or Schedule an Appointment today
Far-reaching impact
Aesthetics are usually the initial concern of a person with gum recession. However, it can also pose real threats to oral health, and by extension, overall wellness.
As gums contract, they expose root surfaces of teeth. Since roots do not have a protective layer of enamel, teeth become sensitive to heat, cold, and sweetness. These areas are more likely to develop decay, and root cavities – especially in anterior teeth – are quite noticeable. As bacteria settle into the rough texture of exposed root surfaces, gum disease takes hold. Without proper treatment, gum disease can lead to serious health impairment.
Carlsbad, CA dentist offers advanced gum recession treatment
The conventional treatment for gum recession consists of surgical grafting. A flap is created at the site of recession, and healthy tissue harvested from another area of the mouth is stitched into place. While gum grafting can be very successful, it creates multiple surgical wounds and requires a healing period before results are visible. During this period, special dietary restrictions and hygiene protocols may be necessary.
Dr. Fallah offers an alternative approach as well. With the pinhole technique, only a tiny opening is needed at each site. With precision instruments, Dr. Fallah manipulates gum tissue internally, nudging it into proper position. Then, using the same pinholes, collagen strips are inserted. They shore up gums and stimulate increased production of natural collagen to encourage plump tissues that seal well to teeth.
The pinhole gum rejuvenation procedure is minimally invasive and minimally traumatic. It is virtually painless and requires much less time in the chair than traditional grafting. Best of all, improvement can be seen immediately and is long-lasting with healthy lifestyle habits.
In addition, Dr. Fallah may suggest platelet-rich fibrin therapy for gingival recession. This healing matrix comes from growth factors in your own stem cells, increasing keratinized mucosa to improve root coverage.
You don’t have to live with a “long in the tooth” look, and today treatment for gum recession does not have to mean having oral surgery. Call Dentistry for San Diego in Carlsbad, CA at (760) 730-1600 to learn more about keeping your smile attractive and healthy.
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