Pinhole gum rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure that treats gum recession. Gum recession is a common problem that happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and exposes its roots. The process occurs gradually and becomes obvious many years after it begins.

While it may be possible to deal with mild gum recession without conservative methods, serious cases often require surgical procedures. Pinhole gum rejuvenation is an excellent alternative to traditional gum graft surgery offered by our team at Dalton Dental in Tampa, FL. We’re here today to explain how Dalton Dental works and what you can expect from our office.

How Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Works

Pinhole gum rejuvenation involves making tiny holes in the receding gum, loosening the tissue, and pulling it back over your tooth. The process has several stages.

• Numbing the Area: The dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the area where the procedure will take place.
• Creating the Pinhole: With a special needle, your dentist makes a small pinhole in the gum tissue above or below the area of recession.
• Loosening the Gum Tissue: Through the pinhole, the dentist gently inserts specialized instruments to loosen the gum tissue. These tools allow them to reposition the gum line without cutting or stitching.
• Repositioning the Gums: Once the tissue is sufficiently loosened, the dentist moves the gums up or down to cover the exposed roots.
• Stabilizing the Gums: The dentist may insert collagen strips through the pinhole to help stabilize the repositioned gum tissue and promote healing.
• Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, the dental team provides detailed instructions on post-operative care.

It typically takes the gums 4-6 weeks to heal after pinhole gum rejuvenation. The majority of patients return to normal activities in one or two days after the procedure. To ensure the best results and recovery, you need to follow your dentist’s recommendations diligently.

Benefits of Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation

When gum recession becomes visible, it can be nearly impossible to treat it with conservative methods. Compared to the common gum graft surgery, the pinhole procedure has many benefits, including:

• Minimally Invasive: This technique doesn’t require large incisions or sutures. Patients experience less trauma to the gum tissue and enjoy a faster recovery time.
• Reduced Discomfort: Because the procedure avoids cutting and stitching, patients report significantly less pain and discomfort during and after treatment.
• Immediate Results: The procedure provides instant improvements in the appearance of the gums. Patients leave the dental office with healthier, more attractive smiles.
• Lower Risk of Complications: The minimally invasive nature of the procedure reduces the risk of complications, such as infection or significant swelling.
• No Donor Site Needed: Traditional grafting often requires taking tissue from another part of the mouth, creating an additional surgical site. Pinhole gum rejuvenation eliminates this need.
• Versatile Treatment: This technique can treat multiple areas of gum recession in a single visit, providing a comprehensive solution for patients with extensive gum issues.

While pinhole gum rejuvenation is a highly beneficial procedure, not all patients are good candidates. Your dentist will review your medical history and gum condition to make the final decision about your candidacy.

Who Can Be a Good Candidate for Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation?

If you have mild to moderate gum recession, you can become a good candidate for pinhole gum rejuvenation. Severe recession may demand more invasive procedures like gum grafting.

Make an Appointment Today

If you experience discomfort from exposed tooth roots and want immediate improvements to your smile, pinhole gum rejuvenation can be an excellent option.

Over the years, the Dalton Dental team has performed numerous pinhole gum rejuvenation procedures successfully and has helped many patients improve their quality of life. To start your journey toward a healthy smile, schedule an appointment today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post What is Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation? appeared first on Dalton Dental.

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and exposes its roots. Besides being aesthetically unappealing, receding gums can pose a danger to the integrity of your teeth.

While the problem isn’t reversible, it’s highly treatable.

Working with our experienced dentist at Dalton Dental can help with the early stages of gum recession prevent tooth damage, and improve your oral health.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back or wears away. This condition leads to the formation of gaps (also called pockets) between the teeth and gum line. These pockets create a favorable environment for bacteria buildup.

Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth. However, when a recession happens, the gums can no longer fulfill this protective role. The exposed roots of the teeth can become sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic food. Meanwhile, the exposure of these roots can make the teeth appear longer and affect the aesthetics of your smile.

What Can Cause Receding Gums?

Gum recession is a progressive condition that may start in your teenage years but become obvious much later in life. The main causes include:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor brushing and insufficient flossing allow plaque to build up on your teeth. This can lead to tartar formation and gum disease, which, in turn, results in gum recession.
• Aggressive Brushing: Brushing teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles every day can damage the delicate gum tissue and cause it to recede over time.
• Periodontal Disease: Gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are major causes of gum recession. These infections destroy gum tissue and the bone that holds teeth in place.
• Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to gum recession due to genetic factors. Even with good oral care, they may experience gum issues.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels (especially in women) can make gums more sensitive and prone to recession. This is common during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Tobacco Use: Tobacco use leads to a buildup of hard-to-remove plaque that can cause gum disease.
• Bruxism: Grinding and clenching teeth puts excessive force on your jaw. This constant pressure can damage the gums and the bone structure supporting the teeth.
• Misaligned Teeth or Bite: Uneven forces during biting and chewing can lead to the gradual loss of gum tissue.
• Piercings: Oral piercings (e.g. lip or tongue) can rub against the gums and cause irritation and wearing away of the gum tissue.

Depending on the causes and symptoms, your dentist can recommend an effective receding gum treatment. Some of the options are:

Gum Grafting

Gum graft surgery usually involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth and using it to cover the exposed roots. However, Dalton Dental offers a less invasive pinhole grafting with only one surgery site at the area of recession. This procedure helps restore the gum line and protect your teeth.

Orthodontics

Braces or other orthodontic treatments can help realign teeth and correct bite issues. This can reduce the stress on gums and prevent further recession.

Composite Restoration

This treatment involves using tooth-colored composite resins to cover the exposed toot surface. This can help protect the tooth’s roots from damage. However, it will not stop the gum recession.

Preventive Measures

Improving oral hygiene practices, quitting smoking, managing bruxism with mouthguards, and addressing hormonal imbalances can help prevent further gum recession.

Get the Dental Care You Need Today

Early detection and treatment of receding gums can prevent tooth damage and improve the appearance of your smile. That’s why biannual visits to your dentist are so important. If you notice the gum recession problem in between your visits, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

At Dalton Dental, we have significant experience in treating different types of gum recession. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at any time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Understanding Gum Recession: Causes, Prevention & Treatment Options appeared first on Dalton Dental.

With so many dental concerns, knowing which is an emergency can be challenging. For more severe cases, waiting to see a dentist can make a lot of difference in whether you’ll lose your tooth. Therefore, you should understand what qualifies as a dental emergency, the signs and symptoms of a dental emergency, and why you should seek professional emergency dental care. Read on to learn more about these from this post by Dalton Dental.

Understanding What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency

All dental pains don’t qualify as dental emergencies. Some cases can wait, while others need urgent care. You should seek urgent dental care for conditions that require immediate attention to relieve acute pain, protect your oral health, and avoid future problems. Some examples of dental incidents that need urgent dental services include the following:

• A broken tooth
• Loose tooth
• Dental abscess
• Severe toothache

Conversely, non-urgent dental emergencies are bearable dental concerns that don’t necessarily need immediate dental services. You wait until your schedule frees up or schedule a dental appointment with the dentist during regular office hours. Some of the few incidents that you may consider as non-urgent dental emergencies include the following:

• Mild toothache
• Veneers
• Gum rejuvenation lift
• Teeth whitening
• Oral cancer screening
• Dental implants

Signs and Symptoms When It’s a Dental Emergency

Many people don’t know which dental condition is severe enough to seek an emergency trip to their dentist. If you’re unsure of when to seek emergency dental services, you should look out for these signs and symptoms:

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth can be very painful and needs emergency dental services once it occurs. This condition occurs when a pocket of pus forms in your tooth due to infection. The infection can cause tender lymph, persistent toothache, fever, and tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.

A Chipped or Broken Tooth

Despite being durable, teeth are prone to breaking. This may occur when you bite on something hard or fall while playing physical sports. A minor chip or break may not warrant an urgent trip to the dentist, but you should seek immediate attention if you experience a significant fracture. These fractures expose the inner layer of your teeth, which can become infected and become a severe dental issue. The tooth may also be broken below the gumline, requiring the dentist to remove its root immediately.

Intense Toothache

Experiencing intense toothache and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures may indicate a tooth or root infection that needs immediate care.

Bleeding Gums

It’s normal to experience a little gum bleeding after brushing or flossing. However, if you experience extreme and continuous bleeding coupled with swelling or pain, you should seek dental care immediately. This unexplained bleeding may be a sign of periodontal disease.

Why Professional Help is Important During a Dental Emergency

You may feel compelled to consider home remedies to alleviate some signs and symptoms that require an emergency dental service. However, you should seek professional help to avoid escalating your dental issue and ensure you get the proper attention. Here are some of the reasons why seeking professional help is vital during a dental emergency:

• It provides immediate pain relief, unlike home remedies that take longer
• Prevents infections
• Provide an accurate diagnosis of any underlying issues
• Access to a variety of treatment options
• Prevents permanent damage
• It saves time and money

Emergency Dental Care Near Tampa

The need for emergency dental care is paramount for specific dental concerns. Otherwise, you will put yourself at risk for severe dental issues such as infection or tooth loss. If you are looking for an emergency Dentist in Tampa, FL, Dalton Dental is here to help you. We offer emergency dental services backed by the latest technologies and the most supportive treatment environment. We also have the most flexible staff to help you get fit in immediately. Contact us today for your emergency dental service.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Knowing When to Seek Emergency Dental Care appeared first on Dalton Dental.