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Dec
Improve gum recession with Pinhole surgery from a dentist in Los Angeles, CA
If you are embarrassed to smile due to receding gums, the team at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles can help. We offer gum rejuvenation with the Chao Pinhole technique, which is a minimally invasive surgery that will rebuild gingival tissue and restore the smile. Our team has been extensively trained in this specialized technique so you can trust that you are in good hands.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is when the gingival tissue has pulled away, or retreated, from the base of the tooth. In particularly severe cases, gum recession can expose the part of the tooth root. There are a number of reasons an individual may experience gum recession, they include:
- Gingivitis or gum disease
- Misalignment or teeth shifting
- Brushing too hard
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Tobacco use
- Aging
Gum recession is not just an aesthetic concern. Healthy, properly positioned gum tissue helps protect the teeth from bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup and decay. As the gum recedes, gaps begin to emerge between the teeth and the gum line. These pockets are havens for trapping bacteria that can cause damage to the gum, the teeth, and the bones.
If the tooth root becomes exposed due to gum recession, symptoms can include increased sensitivity, discomfort, tooth discoloration, and potential loss of natural teeth.
Receding gums tend to occur gradually, which means many patients don’t notice there is a real problem until there are dramatic increases in sensitivity or if the teeth begin to appear longer. Gum recession will not go away on its own and should not be ignored. Individuals who notice any signs of gum recession should call the office right away to schedule an evaluation.
Chao Pinhole Gum Surgery
In the past, soft tissue grafts were the go-to option for treating receding gums. During grafts, we use either the patient’s own soft tissue or a donor graft and stitch it into place in order to rebuild the gum line. With the Pinhole technique, we are able to rebuild the gums and rejuvenate the smile without major incisions or stitches which greatly improves the healing process.
How it works
With the Pinhole technique, a series of small adjustments is done to rebuild the gumline. A tiny hole is created in the gum tissue. Through this “pinhole” we use a specialized tool to gently loosen, expand, and lift sections of tissue.
During each step of the pinhole technique, we can move the gum tissue up to a higher position, covering any exposed tooth root and significantly improving the appearance and health of the gum line. Small collagen strips are placed over the tissue to stabilize the gum and hold it into position. No sutures are used during Pinhole gum surgery.
Recovery after Pinhole gum surgery is quick. The hole usually heals overnight, and patients are able to resume normal activities in no time.
Advantages of the Pinhole Surgery
There are many advantages to using the Chao Pinhole technique over traditional gum grafts. They include:
- No large incisions or sutures
- Faster healing time
- Minimal discomfort after the procedure
- No need for donor tissue
Following Pinhole surgery patients are left with all the same results of gum grafting: a healthier, natural-looking smile in less time with less recovery.
Candidates for Pinhole gum surgery
Most patients with receding gums are good candidates for Pinhole gum surgery. Individuals with active gum disease should seek treatment for the condition prior to undergoing gum rejuvenation. During a consultation, we’ll be able to discuss any treatments or procedures that may be required prior to Pinhole gum surgery. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions they may have about the process during this appointment.
The Chao Pinhole technique is garnering attention in the dental community because of it’s potential to deliver amazing results with far fewer side effects than traditional soft tissue grants.
If you are embarrassed by your gummy smile or experiencing pain/discomfort as a result of gum recession, you should call the team at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, CA today to set up a consultation and discuss your options. Our team is ready to answer your questions and start you on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
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Dr. Don Mungcal
Dr. Tara Mavadat
Dr. Ivan Chan
As the cornerstone and founder of Downtown Dental, Dr. Don Mungcal is a proactive and exceptionally talented dentist who is determined to contribute to the health and wellbeing of his community by attending to their dental care needs.
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!