Gum recession can be painful, unsightly, and scary. Those little pockets and gaps that form between the teeth and gums are an ideal place for bacteria to hide out — leading to more decay, infection, and your gums receding even further.
The conventional treatment for severely receded gums remains grafting. While effective, grafting is invasive, potentially painful, and requires a long recovery period.
At Edgewood Dental Care, Dr. Kevin McMahon is trained in a revolutionary new alternative to grafting. The Chao Pinhole® surgical technique corrects severe gum recession in a much less invasive way.
To find out more about the Chao Pinhole® surgical technique and whether you are a good candidate, call our Edgewood, KY office at 859-474-7830.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum Recession, or gingival recession, is when gum tissue shrinks from around the base of the tooth, exposing the root. (Ouch!) Your teeth may become extremely sensitive and appear as if they are growing in length. If caught very early on, gum recession may not require professional intervention at all.
If you have the following symptoms, you may have receding gums:
- Painful or sensitive teeth
- Gums that appear smaller than before
- Teeth that look longer than before
- Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
- Teeth that are loose or falling out
You may have gum recession without noticing any symptoms at all. So it’s very important to keep a regular schedule of checkups with Edgewood Dental Care so our doctors can spot problems early on.
Why Are My Gums Receding?
Many factors can cause or contribute to gum recession. A few of the more common ones are:
- Smoking or tobacco use. Tobacco irritates the lining of the mouth, leading to inflammation and gum recession.
- Genetics. If gum recession runs in your family, you are more susceptible. You can’t change your genes, but you can be aware of your higher risk and the necessity of being extra vigilant.
- Poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss properly, plus visit the dentist twice per year, you are more likely to develop periodontal disease and gum recession.
- Bruxism, or tooth grinding. Grinding your teeth can lead to receding gums and other problems. We can make a custom mouthguard to help you stop this habit.
- Vigorous brushing and flossing. You should be thorough but gentle when caring for your teeth. Always use a soft toothbrush, and resist the urge to scrub, which can damage the tooth enamel and gums.
- Injury: Trauma to the tooth or gum can cause the gum tissue to recede.
How Can I Treat My Receding Gums?
If you have a relatively minor case of gum recession, better oral care habits may be all you need to stop and even reverse the problem. If your gums are badly receded, though, you may require treatment from Edgewood Dental Care.
Dr. Kevin McMahon has completed training with Dr. John Chao, the creator of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, making Dr. McMahon part of a select group of dentists qualified to perform this groundbreaking procedure.
No more cutting and reattaching grafts. The Pinhole® technique requires that the doctor make just a small pinhole in the gums. Through this tiny hole, he is able to move and manipulate the tissue back to where it should be. No sutures, no scalpels, no incisions. And the results are just as good as with traditional grafting techniques.
After treatment with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (versus grafting), you will experience less pain, you will recover much more quickly, and you will love the gorgeous, long-lasting results.
If you think your gums are receding and you would like to request a consultation at Edgewood Dental Care’s Edgewood, KY office, you may do so through our online form or by calling 859-474-7830.