The first sign of receding gums is usually tooth sensitivity or a tooth looking longer than normal. If you think your gums are receding, you should make an appointment with your dentist.
Treatments for Gum Recession in Fairfax
The Pinhole Technique
Gum recession is a common dental problem, but pinhole treatments can address it.
Receding gums expose your teeth and their roots to harmful bacteria. When left untreated, it can ultimately result in tooth loss. At Oakton Family Dentistry, we help our patients restore their smile with pinhole gum recession treatments in Fairfax.
Pinhole treatment is a minimally invasive technique that repairs receding gums by adjusting your existing tissue. It’s an alternative to gum graft surgery that causes less discomfort and has a faster recovery.
What is “pinhole”?
Our practice utilizes the Chao Pinhole®️ technique to treat gum recession caused by gum disease.
When gum recession continues to progress, this gives the disease and harmful bacteria more opportunity to attack the bone structure and worsen. While many practices would offer to manage this by performing a gum graft, the Chao Pinhole surgery is much less invasive and has proven effective in producing incredible results.
A gum graft involves scalpels, scarring, and stitching. On the other hand, the Chao Pinhole technique only necessitates a small hole being made in the gum tissue. This means much less discomfort and an easier, faster recovery.
What to Expect
Here’s what you can expect when undergoing treatment for gum recession at Oakton Family Dentistry:
- A small hole is made in the gum tissue near the recessed area.
- Using a special tool, the gum tissue is loosened and manipulated to cover more of the exposed tooth.
- During recovery, you can expect little discomfort and swelling.
- For 6 weeks, you will need to avoid brushing the area and follow aftercare instructions carefully.
Restore Your Smile
Visit us to learn more about pinhole gum recession treatments in Fairfax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your results will last indefinitely as long as you continue to care for your teeth and visit your dentist regularly.
Pinhole treatments and gum grafts are both effective methods for restoring a receding gum line. Some of the benefits of pinhole surgery are it doesn’t involve sutures, can be completed in a single office visit, and typically has a faster recovery time than gum grafts.
If you are experiencing gum recession, you might be a candidate for pinhole treatments. Ask your dentist about your candidacy for this technique.