Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Gum graft surgery will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.
Gum grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During gum graft surgery, your gum tissue is taken from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.
The benefit of a gum graft is that it can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the aesthetics of your smile. Whether you have a gum graft to improve function or aesthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal (gum) pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Scaling and root planing is sometimes followed by adjunctive therapy such as systemic antibiotics, as needed on a case-by-case basis.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.
Why should gum recession be taken seriously?
When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness.
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture free. The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique/ Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation® was invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S.
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed.
While this traditional grafting treatment is very effective, comparable results with a better patient experience can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
This procedure is performed by making small holes with a very fine needle in the gum tissue. Through this pinhole using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth.
The technique simply involves the adjustment of the existing gum tissue. Since there is no cutting or stitching, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Most patients also are pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement.
The benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique are many:
A periodontal pocket reduction procedure is recommended because you have pockets that are too deep to clean with a daily at-home oral hygiene and a professional care routine. During this procedure, your gum tissue is folded back and the disease-causing bacteria are removed before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.
Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence. Deeper pockets are more difficult for you and your dental care professional to clean, so it's important for you to reduce them. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
With newer surgical techniques and instruments, periodontal surgery tends to be more conservative and minimally invasive. Surgery is usually reserved for the worst affected areas of your mouth.
When the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to periodontal disease, a regenerative procedure can reverse some of the damage by restoring lost bone and tissue.
During this procedure, your gum tissue is folded back and the disease-causing bacteria are removed. A membrane (filter), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body's natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.
Eliminating existing bacteria and regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce pocket depth and repair damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. With a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care, you'll increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chances of other health problems associated with periodontal disease.
Enjoy a smile that you can be proud to show off. Want to know more? We offer consultations where you can speak to our experts before choosing which treatment is best for you.
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