Soft Tissue Grafting

Correct Your Smile and Your Health

Have you noticed that your teeth appear longer or more yellow at the base? Are small gaps (“pockets”) forming between your gumline and teeth? These are all signs of gum recession. Many causes of gum recession exist, including gum disease, teeth grinding, and aggressive tooth brushing. The short-term consequences of gum recession can lead to the discomfort of tooth sensitivity, but over many years, gum recession can lead to many complications, including those associated with gum disease. In fact, gum recession is one of the main symptoms of gum disease! While receding gums cannot be reversed, they can be effectively treated through soft tissue grafting.

Gum Grafting Expertise Since 1998

Dr. Ellie Love has been providing quality periodontal services since 1998 and is trained in the full scope of periodontics and dental implants. An expert in diagnosing and treating issues with the gums, she is well-equipped to provide soft tissue grafting to restore health to the gums and teeth after gum recession. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of gum recession, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our Rancho Mirage, CA periodontist:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Teeth appear longer
  • Gum inflammation
  • Notch at the gumline

What to Expect with Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting can seem like a daunting procedure, but Dr. Love is skilled in providing care that is as minimally invasive and pain-free as possible. Through modern techniques she has tailored care to provide the highest levels of comfort and effectivity. Our soft tissue grafting procedures can return your mouth to a healthy state without causing too much downtime or discomfort for our patients. The soft tissue grafting procedure includes taking portions of tissue from your own body or a donor source and placing it over the exposed tooth roots. Once sutured in place, the existing gums and graft will fuse together, rebuilding the supportive tissues around the teeth. Healing after your soft tissue grafting procedure, you may feel discomfort at the treatment site, but this can be alleviated with pain medication. While you can return to work the day after surgery, it will take a few weeks for your mouth to heal fully, but you will notice a significant difference in the aesthetics of your smile and reduced or eliminated tooth sensitivity!

Pinhole® Surgical Technique: The Graft-Free Alternative

We do everything possible to make your soft tissue grafting procedure as comfortable as possible. However, some patients are still wary of the process because it requires the use of scalpels and sutures. We are excited to offer an alternative to conventional soft tissue grafting through the revolutionary Pinhole® Surgical Technique! This technique, also known as PST™, uses specialized tools that gently reshape the gum tissue back over the exposed tooth roots. We use this tool to create a minute “pinhole” in the gum tissue above each tooth and once the tissue is repositioned, place collagen strips at the site to help support and retain the position of the gum tissue. Without needing scalpels, incisions, or sutures, we can reverse the effects of gum recession in as little as one appointment. If you want to know more about this revolutionary technique, contact our Rancho Mirage, CA office today!

Is your smile showing symptoms of receding gums?