Gum Grafting Alternatives
Gum recession is a very common condition, one that affects nearly 65 million Americans. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. Which treatment option is right for you will largely depend on the underlying cause of your receded gums. For patients whose gums have receded due to aggressive or prolonged brushing, investing in a soft bristle toothbrush and/or modifying your daily oral hygiene habits may be enough. In other cases, making lifestyle changes, such as quitting the use of tobacco or products or eating a healthier, more balanced diet may stop the progression of gum recession and keep your gum line even, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing.
In other cases, such as patients who have advanced gum disease or who are genetically predisposed to receding gums, more proactive measures may be necessary. If you have receding gums that cannot be treated by changes in your daily routines and are interested in pursuing options that are less invasive that gum grating tampa fl, you may be a good candidate for the following.
Scaling and Root Planing
In the early stage of gum recession, one of the most common treatment options for halting or reversing gum disease is a scale and root planing procedure. Specialized tools are used to remove calculus and plaque that have formed on the teeth and below the gumline and then to smooth the surfaces and roots of the teeth, which inhibits further growth of bacteria and gives the gums a chance to heal. While the scale and root planing procedure will not restore the natural gum line like a gum graft will, it can be a very effective method in treating gum disease and preventing further gum recession from occurring.
Gum Contouring
While gum grafting is an effective method for creating an even and aesthetically pleasing gumline by adding gum tissue to areas where recession has occurred, gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that can involve both adding gum to recessed areas and removing gum from areas where there is gingival overgrowth using either a scalpel, laser, or combination of both. In addition to improving the aesthetic appearance of your smile, gum contouring also reduces your risk of developing gum disease and improves your ability to clean your teeth and gums.
Pinhole Surgical Technique
Though gum grafting has traditionally been the preferred method for correcting recessed gums, Pinhole Surgical Technique provides the same kind of results but eliminates the need for removing tissue from the roof of patients’ mouths and does not require sutures. Pinhole surgical technique is an innovative method that restores a patients’ natural gumline by making tiny holes over the areas of recession through which special instruments are threaded, which then loosen and move the gums to the desired position, restoring the natural symmetry of your smile and improving your overall oral health.
If you have any additional questions about gum grafting alternatives, the steps involved in the gum grafting process, or if you would like to schedule a consultation or learn more about our clinic and services, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK or fill out an online form
We look forward to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!
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