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What Does A Periodontist Do For Receding Gums?

December 9th, 2019 by | No Comments
No Cut No Sew LANAP

Receding gums can be caused by a number of things, including gum disease, brushing your teeth too hard, hormone changes, or even just genetics. Whatever the cause of gum recession, it can cause problems for your dental health, in addition to affecting the aesthetics of your smile. There are several options to treat receding gums, including gum grafting. One of the more modern options for treating receding gums is the Pinhole Surgical Technique. This receding gum treatment in Phoenix is performed by Dr. Trujillo, who is one of the few periodontists trained in this technique. The treatment has a number of excellent advantages for those who need it.

What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a method for treating receding gums, which was developed by Dr. John Chao. Unlike traditional treatment for receding gums, which requires cutting and sutures, this technique involves making just a tiny hole in the gum tissue. Through this hole, the gum tissue can be loosened and repositioned so that it covers the roots of the teeth. It is a fast procedure, which can be completed in under an hour, and it can be carried out on more than one tooth at the same time.

How It Works

The procedure starts with the periodontist making a tiny hole, the size of a single pin, in the gum. They then loosen the gum from where it is attached to the bone and root underneath. By moving the gum tissue down, the periodontist can cover the teeth and create more visible gum tissue.

The Benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique

There are some great benefits to the Pinhole Surgical Technique compared to the traditional way of treating receding gums. The pinhole will heal within 24 hours of the procedure being complete. After the gum tissue has been moved, collagen strips are placed between the teeth. The purpose of this is to prevent the gum tissue from moving back up. Multiple teeth can be worked on in under an hour, and only one or two pinholes will likely be necessary.

Some of the benefits include:

  • No cutting or stitching – there’s no need for sutures with the Pinhole Surgical Technique. As the name implies, it uses just a tiny hole to complete the treatment, making it much less invasive than the traditional surgery for receding gums.
  • No need for grafts – whereas the traditional method for treating receding gums involves taking a tissue graft from the palate, there’s no need for this with the Pinhole Surgical Technique.
  • Less discomfort – patients report less pain and discomfort with the Pinhole Surgical Technique compared to other types of receding gum treatment.
  • Faster recovery – because the procedure is less invasive, it also means that patients can recover more quickly. Patients are able to return to their daily activities straight after the procedure, whereas traditional gum grafting can require several days of rest.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you are interested in discussing this solution for your receding gums, schedule an appointment with Arizona Periodontal Group to find out how Dr. Trujillo can help you improve your smile

What Is Laser Gum Treatment?

October 11th, 2019 by | No Comments

Dental technology is growing at a rapid rate, including the technologies that we use here at Arizona Periodontal Group. The use of lasers in dentistry shows promising results for the treatment of periodontal disease. Dr. Trujillo is proud to offer this revolutionary treatment to his patients.

Laser gum treatment refers to the treatment of gum disease through the use of lasers. Though it is still in its infancy, this is a procedure that is gaining momentum as providers and patients experience high success rates. The dental laser removes the inflamed gum tissue from the root of the tooth, promoting an environment for faster healing.

Gum disease develops as a result of a build-up of tartar along the gum line. There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Periodontitis develops when the gums become infected and inflamed. As the disease progresses, it will eventually affect the bone that surround and support teeth.

When the condition is present, a patient may not experience pain, so it is possible that he or she may not be aware that there is a problem. The following are signs and symptoms of gum disease. If you recognize any of these in yourself, please give us a call to schedule an exam with Dr. Trujillo.

  • tender, swollen, or red gums
  • bleeding gums
  • gums that recede away from the tooth
  • a constant bad taste in your mouth
  • persistent bad breath
  • loose teeth
  • visible pus in the gums surrounding teeth

When periodontal disease is identified, treatment is required to restore health to the gums before bones are affected, and when teeth can still be saved. Laser treatment allows Dr. Trujillo to remove the inflamed gum tissue and expose the root of the effected teeth. Now with access to the calculus and plaque that has built up under the gum line, Dr. Trujillo is able to remove it, smoothing any rough areas that may attract bacteria. This eliminates the possibility of further infection. When the treatment is complete, the gums, now free from infection, will regenerate in the now disease-free environment.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you are concerned about the health of your gums, and looking to get laser gum treatment in Phoenix, then please schedule an appointment with our office today. Dr. Trujillo will perform an exam and answer any questions you have about your oral health. Give us a call today!

What is Gum Contouring?

September 25th, 2019 by | No Comments

If you don’t like the appearance of your gums, then you may be a candidate for gum contouring. Gum contouring in Phoenix involves removing or adding sections of gum to create the ideal gum shape. People with gummy smiles or receding gums often use gum contouring to give them more confidence when smiling and laughing. 

Why Are Gums Sometimes Uneven? 

The causes of uneven gums are highly varied. People can have too much gum for a variety of reasons, including: 

  • Family genetics
  • Certain types of prescription drugs for conditions like acne and chlamydia
  • Certain health concerns

Others can have too little gum, again, for a variety of reasons. Excessively vigorous brushing, for instance, can reduce the size and extent of gums over time, causing them to die back slowly. 

Receding gums can also be an indication of chronic gingivitis. Bacteria on the surface of the gum create plaque which then progressively eats away at gum cells, exposing a larger and larger area of tooth over time. 

What Happens During Gum Contouring? 

The gum contouring procedure you undergo depends on whether you need to add or remove gum material. 

There are two main ways of removing excess gum from your mouth. The first is to remove it with a scalpel under local anaesthetic. The technique is effective and long-lasting, and you rarely need to return to the dentist for a second surgery. 

The second technique is to use lasers. The dentist fires a laser at the section of excessive or protruding gum, killing the cells and the surface, and causing them to die back over time. 

If you need to add gum to your mouth, say, to cover up a tooth that looks longer than it should, then you’ll need a gum graft. A graft is where we take a piece of tissue from somewhere else in your mouth and stitch it over the affected area, helping to restore the gum line. 

We usually take the gum tissue from one of two locations: either the palate at the roof of the mouth, or from another part of the gum. The new tissue is stitched over the affected area, or the gum pulled further over the tooth to give the desired appearance. 

Does It Take Long To Recover After Gum Contouring In Phoenix?

Gum contouring is a type of surgery, so it has a relatively extended recovery period. If you have undergone gum grafting, the new gum needs to fuse with the surrounding tissue. Typically, patients notice that healing is well underway three weeks after surgery, and complete after around six to eight weeks, depending on the size of the graft. 

If you have had laser ablation or gum removal surgery, then the recovery time is slightly less. The gum, however, still requires several weeks to recover fully. 

What Should You Do After Having Gum Contouring? 

If you’ve just had gum contouring, then you may benefit by taking an over-the-counter pain relief medication. It may also be beneficial to eat soft and cool foods that will not irritate or damage the gum, such as yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. 

Following our instructions for after-care will guarantee beautiful results. If you are interested and want to see if gum contouring is something that can improve your smile then schedule an appointment with us today. Dr. Trujillo would love to discuss gum contouring and how it can work for you.

Periodontist Near Me Who Does Gum Grafting

September 14th, 2019 by | No Comments
Phoenix Periodontist Dr. Trujillo
Phoenix Periodontist Dr. Ariel Trujillo

Over time, your gums can start to recede, revealing more of the tooth below. It’s a chronic progressive issue that can continue throughout your life if you do not take steps to prevent it. 

All sorts of things cause the recession of the gum line. Aging itself is a factor, but it can also be the consequence of poor oral hygiene. Bacteria living on the gum can create plaques that damage it and cause the top layer to die off. It then slowly retreats over time as successive layers of tissue are destroyed. 

How Gum Grafting in Phoenix Helps To Reverse Gum Loss

Losing your gums isn’t always a pleasant experience. You may be afraid or worried about showing your smile if you feel that your teeth are too long. You may also worry that it doesn’t appear attractive. 

Gum grafting is a technique that allows you to restore the appearance of your gums and help undo the recession that has taken place over the years. The procedure involves surgically taking a piece of gum and inserting it over the problem area. The gum then naturally forms around the tooth, helping it to appear both shorter and healthier. 

How Does Gum Grafting In Phoenix Actually Work? 

Dentists use a variety of gum grafting procedures, depending on your particular case. 

Connective tissue is the most common form of gum grafting. Here, the dentist cuts a flap of tissue in the roof of your mouth and takes a piece of gum-like tissue from underneath. The dentist then stitches it back up and places the new section of gum onto the affected area before stitching it up again. Both the roof of the mouth and the newly stitched gum heal, boosting the appearance of your smile. 

Free gingival grafts are another procedure that involves removing tissue from the palate. The difference, however, is that the dentist directly removes the tissue from the roof of the mouth, instead of creating a flap. Patients only use this procedure when they need a small amount of gum that needs grafting. 

The final type of gum grafting technique near you is the pedicle graft. The pedicle method harvests available gum near the tooth instead of the roof of the mouth. The procedure works by pulling the gum directly over the tooth and then securing it in place. 

Why Get A Gum Graft Near You? 

The benefits of gum grafts are extraordinary.

The first significant change you’ll notice is that your gum looks fuller and healthier. Your gums cover a greater proportion of the body of your teeth. 

Gum grafts are also medically necessary. Grafts stop the recession of the gumline in its tracks, protecting the delicate roots of your teeth below.

The effects of gum grafting are not immediate: it usually takes around three weeks for the gums to heal from surgery and adhere to the teeth. Complete healing typically takes between six and eight weeks. 

Are you looking for a periodontist near you who does gum grafting in Phoenix? Find out more about our incredible gum grafting treatment on our website. 

Schedule An Appointment Today!

If you are ready to look at getting a gum graft in Phoenix then schedule an appointment with us today!

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

September 5th, 2019 by | No Comments

While bleeding gums are not necessarily a reason for grave concern, they are almost always indicative of a problem with your gums, your health, or the way that you clean your teeth. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of bleeding gums. 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by damage to the lining of the gums around your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth create plaque which then attacks the sensitive top layer of the gum, exposing the tiny capillaries beneath. When you brush or chew, these capillaries can rupture, leaving a taste of blood in your mouth.

The good news is that you can treat gingivitis through a combination of help from your dentist, lifestyle changes, and improving your oral hygiene routine. Cutting down on sugar, going for regular dental cleanings, and brushing and flossing every day can all contribute to reducing bleeding gums. 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease than gingivitis. While gingivitis affects the surface of the gum and the collar around the teeth, periodontitis is an infection below the gumline. Periodontitis is dangerous because once it becomes endemic, you cannot eliminate it with brushing alone. 

What’s more, when bacteria accumulate around the root of the tooth, they create harmful byproducts that damage the surrounding enamel and bone, destroying tissue in the process. 

Periodontitis can have some nasty side effects. Infection in your gum can be excruciating and lead to visible swelling. You can also experience a foul taste in your mouth and have bad breath. 

The good news, again, however, is that modern dentistry can help. The first step is to eliminate the infection. Usually, dentists do this through a course of antibiotics. The next step is to deal with the root of the problem, most commonly poor oral hygiene, but sometimes impacted teeth. The final step is to prevent periodontitis from returning, either by removing teeth or improving brushing. 

Diabetes

Patients who have diabetes aren’t as able to fight off infections as those who do not have the disease. The same holds true in the mouth. The body’s immune defenses aren’t as good at keeping the mouth hygienic. What’s more, high blood sugar levels – a characteristic of the disease – interferes with the healing process, making it more challenging to reverse gum conditions. 

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough platelets to clot the blood and prevent bleeding. Patients with the condition, therefore, can experience excessive bleeding after brushing, even if they do not have severe gum disease. 

A Lack Of Vitamin C And Scurvy

Genuine scurvy is rare in developed countries, although it can occur if you infrequently or never eat fruit and vegetables. One of the symptoms of scurvy is chronically bleeding gums. The body can no longer make the structures that it needs to contain blood in blood vessels, causing it to leach out. 

Low levels of vitamin C can also lead to swollen gums that make them more prone to bleeding. 

Schedule An Appointment With Arizona Periodontal Group Today!

If your gums are bleeding, then book your appointment with us today. We’ll take a look and determine if special treatment is required.

Start your day with a beautiful smile.

When you visit our office, your oral health is our top priority. Dr. Trujillo and his entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve.

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