Healthy gums are pink (though color will vary from person to person), firm, and taut against the teeth. They also completely cover the roots of your teeth. When your gums begin to recede, the roots may be exposed, causing sensitivity and pain. In severe cases, you may even loose teeth.

Minor gum recession is often reversible with good oral hygiene or a change in dental habits (depending on the cause). More serious gum recession stemming from periodontal disease may be helped with a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. But very severe cases may require surgery.

The conventional surgical treatment for gum recession is gum graft surgery. While effective, gum grafting is quite invasive and involves a long recovery period. It requires that tissue be removed from a healthy part of the mouth and stitched over the receding areas.

At Highland Advanced Dental Care, we have a better way. Dr. James LoCascio is the first general dentist in Michigan to be trained in the revolutionary Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. This scalpel- and suture-free procedure gets results, doesn’t require grafts, and heals much more quickly than traditional gum recession surgery.

To book an appointment, call our Highland Township, MI office at 248-329-3552.

Gum Recession Causes

If your gum are receding or pulling away from your teeth, it may be due to any number of reasons. It’s important to visit us at Highland Advanced Dental Care for a thorough examination, as the cause may help determine treatment.

Bruxism

Do you grind your teeth a lot? This bad habit, which often occurs at night during sleep, puts an excessive amount of pressure on your teeth and jawbone. This not only wears down the tooth enamel, but it may also irritate the gums and make them pull away from the teeth.

Periodontal Disease

In its earlier stages, periodontal disease, or gum disease, is referred to as gingivitis and is generally reversible with a good professional cleaning and meticulous oral hygiene at home. But left untreated, gum disease only gets worse. Later-stage gum disease is called periodontitis, and can result in a number of serious problems including gum recession. Bacteria get underneath the gumline, cause inflammation, and the gums will start to pull away from the teeth.

Genetics

Unfortunately, some people are predisposed to gum disease and recession due to their genes. This does not mean it is inevitable, but if you have a family history of gum issues, you should be extra conscientious with your dental care.

Poor Tooth Alignment

If your teeth are poorly aligned or your bite is off, you could be putting pressure on the wrong places every time you bite down. This can eventually lead to gum recession.

Tobacco Use

Smoking is a leading risk factor for gum disease and gum recession (as well as a host of other health problems).

Overzealous Brushing

You love brushing your teeth — yay! But be sure that you use gentle pressure when you brush. Scrubbing your teeth too vigorously, in addition to wearing away your tooth enamel, can injure your gums and cause them to pull away from the teeth. And always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuation due to pregnancy, menopause, or other reasons may cause inflammation of the gums and even recession.

Surgical Gum Recession Treatment

The traditional surgical treatment for gum recession is gum grafting. This requires that donor tissue be harvested from a healthy area of the mouth and stitched into place over the receded areas of the gums. The surgery is invasive and involves a long recovery time of several weeks.

At Highland Advanced Dental Care, we have a better way. Dr. LoCascio is trained in the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a groundbreaking procedure that corrects severe gum recession without grafts.

First of all, of course, you will need to come in for a thorough evaluation. If your gum recession is severe, Dr. LoCascio may determine you are a good candidate for the Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

The procedure is suture free, scalpel free, and minimally invasive. First, Dr. LoCascio will create a small pinhole in your gum tissue. Through this tiny opening, the tissue is loosened, lifted, and expanded to cover the receded gumline. Small collagen strips are inserted for stability. Because there is no cutting or stitching involved, the technique is less painful than gum grafting and healing is easier and faster.

To learn more about the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique in Highland Township, MI, call Highland Advanced Dental Care at 248-329-3552. Or fill out our online contact form.