
Nearly half of the adult population in the United States suffer from periodontal disease. Not only does this disease lead to tender gums and bleeding, it can also lead to gum recession. 4% to 12% of adults suffer from gum recession, but the progress is so slow that many do not notice.
Nataly Vilderman, DDS Cosmetic & Family Dentistry provides gum rejuvenation to those in San Francisco, particularly the Park Merced, West Portal, and Outer Sunset areas. Dr. Vilderman and her team can not only identify and diagnose periodontal disease, but help reverse gum recession and improve the appearance of your smile.
A number of issues can cause your gums to recede, but periodontitis in particular can lead to serious gaps between your teeth and gum line.
This occurs because the bacteria causing your periodontal disease are eating away at the gum tissue. This leads to areas where your gums have pulled away from your teeth, and these pockets can become the breeding ground for more bacteria.
You might not notice gum recession at first. It happens very slowly, and the gradual loss of gum tissue is hard to spot at a glance. However, the symptoms of gum recession include:
Gum rejuvenation is a procedure that introduces new gum tissue into the areas that have receded. This fills the notches left by gum recession, and encourages your body to continue producing gum tissue naturally. With proper dental care and oral hygiene, you can avoid further gum issues.
There are a number of ways to rejuvenate the gums. Tissue grafts are a common procedure that involve transplanting tissue from your existing gums or palate into your gum line.
However, there are more efficient ways to rejuvenate the gums. Dr. Vilderman uses a technique that does not require scalpels or grafting. The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is minimally invasive, and comes with less pain, limitations, and recovery time.
If you have noticed that your gums are receding, it's vital that you visit a dentist before the problem gets worse. If left untreated, gum recession can easily lead to tooth loss and decay.
Before anything else, your dentist will evaluate the state of your teeth and gums. Then, you will be presented with options regarding your treatment. Not all cases of periodontal disease require surgery; you might just require a thorough cleaning and regular dental care.
In cases where periodontal surgery is needed, your dentist will walk you through the process and what you can expect from your treatment. After surgery, you can enjoy the benefits of healthier gums and a more natural smile.
To get in touch with Dr. Vilderman and her team, you can call 415-665-7800 or book an appointment online.