Why Do Gums Recede?

Many adults grew up thinking that the harder they brushed, the cleaner they would get their teeth. Vigorous brushing with hard-bristled toothbrushes was incorrectly thought to be the best dental hygiene technique. On the contrary, this practice often caused future gum recession.

What is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum line around a tooth, called the “gingival margin,” wears away or pulls back, causing jawbone loss which exposes the more sensitive root area. These gaps also mean that bacteria in the area can build up faster, potentially damaging the bone structure of the tooth and the surrounding tissue. If not addressed, gum recession can even lead to tooth loss.

Causes of Gum Recession

In addition to simply brushing too hard, other causes of gum recession include:

  • Gum disease (periodontitis)
  • Tooth trauma
  • Misalignment of bite
  • Crooked teeth
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Tobacco usage (smoking and chewing)
  • Clenching or grinding your teeth

Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation

Years ago, gum recession was only addressed with conventional gum grafting techniques requiring cutting tissue from the gum of the mouth which was placed over the recessed area and stitched into place. Today, at the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics, we can treat many receding gum issues with a state-of-the-art, virtually painless, graft-free and suture-free procedure called the Chao Pinhole® Gum Technique.

Dr. Fava is a certified specialist in the Pinhole ® procedure. He uses a specialized tool to reposition healthy tissue over the recessed area via a tiny “pinhole”-sized entry point. Tiny collagen strips help stabilize the gums. The pinhole area heals quickly, often even overnight.

As gum specialists, we treat all sorts of gum tissue issues and can safely and effectively restore your smile, which is beneficial to your overall health. If gum recession is an issue for you, call us today at 215-677-8686 to see how we can solve your problem!