You may have noticed something different lately. Your teeth seem more sensitive, whether you are drinking your morning coffee or sipping an ice cold beverage after working in the yard.

That sensitivity could be a clue that you have receding gums. This can expose parts of your teeth that were once covered. That can lead to the increased sensitivity that you’ve noticed.

Fortunately, it’s also something you can fix at our Highland, MI dentist office. With our gum recession treatment, you can restore your gumline to its proper position, where it helps to protect your teeth.

At Highland Advanced Dental Care, we don’t want receding gums to take a toll on your dental health. Instead, let us help you stop the pain. Call 248-329-3552 to make your appointment.

A Small Opening For Improvement

Not long ago, fixing receding gums meant getting a gum graft surgery. That was effective but somewhat invasive. Without getting into the details, it involved cutting into someone’s gums, effectively transplanting gum tissue, then suturing the gums closed. This allows the old and the transplanted tissue to grow together to restore the gums to their original size and position.

With the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, we have a simpler solution for gum recession. As the name implies, the procedure only involves making a pinhole-sized incision. We then carefully reposition your gums. This restores your original gumline.

This technique produces fast results, too. In most cases, we can complete the procedure in a single appointment. You are unlikely to need sutures, and your recovery time is shorter than it would be with a gum graft surgery.

You also may like to know that our own Dr. James LoCascio was the first doctor in Michigan trained to perform this technique. And we can do this painlessly with our sedation options.

Why Gums Recede

One or more factors can play a role when someone’s gums recede. Some of the most common causes are:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Aggressive brushing
  • Trauma to the mouth
  • Genetics
  • Clenching or grinding teeth together
  • Tobacco use

Some of these are things you can control (how you brush, how often you brush, whether you use tobacco) and some are things you can’t (accidents, genetics).

Having a consistent oral hygiene routine can reduce your risk of gum problems. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush (but not too hard) twice daily is a good start. Daily flossing also should be part of your regular oral care.

Professional dental cleanings and exams can play a vital role in your gum and oral health. Gum disease is the leading cause of gum recession. By getting regular checkups, we can help you prevent periodontal problems, or we can find them early when it is easier to treat.

While we can fix your receding gums, we would much rather prevent this from happening to you.

Keep Your Healthy Smile

Your mouth shouldn’t cause you pain. If you can treat and prevent gum recession by visiting Highland Advanced Dental Care. To request an appointment, fill out our online form or call 248-329-3552.