If you have Gum Recession you also have bone loss
We can treat your Gum Recession with Minimally Invasive Procedures
Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. When gum recession occurs, pockets or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up.
Some causes of gum recession include:
- Periodontal Disease
- Genetics
- Tooth Brushing Routine
- Poor Dental Hygiene
- Hormonal Changes
- Tobacco Use
- Griding or Clenching of Teeth
- Crooked Teeth or Bite Misalignment
- Body Piercing
- Orthodontics
Patients who have receding gums can experience a variety of physical and cosmetic symptoms including tooth and gum pain. Gum recession treatment can alleviate these problems and protect teeth and gums from further damage.
Common Symptoms of Gum Recession
Smaller gum line
Changes in tooth appearance
Tooth root exposure, sensitive teeth, and gum pain
Increased susceptibility to root surface decay
Bone and tooth loss
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession develops when the soft tissue surrounding the teeth becomes irritated, diseased, or damaged and begins to recede down the length of the tooth. It also means the roots are losing their natural protection and with less gum tissue, teeth can appear crooked, misshaped, larger, or misaligned. Teeth may hurt or feel increasingly sensitive due to exposed root surfaces. Notches and blemishes along the gum line are also common indicators of recession.
Why it is Important to Treat Gum Recession
Eliminate tooth sensitivity
Improve appearance
Prevent further recession
Protect teeth against root decay, damage and loss
When Gum Recession Surgery is Necessary
Patients who have receding gums often have gum disease, or periodontal disease, which causes gum tissue to move further down the roots of the teeth. Root exposure can be painful and lead to increasing problems, such as root surface decay and damage, and even loss of teeth if it is not treated professionally. Receding gums not only reduces the natural protection teeth need but also affects the way they look, sometimes causing them to appear uneven and larger than normal. If gum disease is present, treatment is necessary before gum recession surgery.
The Right Treatment for Your Gum Recession
The goal of any surgery to correct gum recession is to make the tissue thicker thus more resistant to further recession and second, to cover the roots as much as possible.
Gum recession happens for a variety of reasons and treatment options are just as variable. Gum disease, genetics, injury, dental treatments, lifestyle, hormones, and other factors all play a role in why some patients develop gum recession. We can determine what is causing your gum recession and provide the right treatment plan to address it. Here are some of the treatments offered for patients with gum recession.
Gum Grafting
The Connective tissue graft was introduced in 1985 and is the most commonly used procedure. Dr. Cabrera has successfully performed a large number of these procedures since its introduction. He published the first article for the general dental population in 1995, Journal of the American Dental Association. In addition to its effectiveness, this is a minimally invasive approach with minimal recovery time. In this approach, a very small opening is created on the roof of the mouth so that the tissue can be taken. The tissue is then placed under the gum tissue of the affected area.
In areas where there is an insufficient amount of the patient’s own tissue, a similar approach can be done with donated tissue. This is typically a sterile tissue from either a human or animal source. Although the healing time is slightly longer than using the patient’s own tissue it is also highly effective.
Tunnel Technique
Over the years, a number of minimally invasive approaches have been developed called tunnel procedures where the grafting is completed with only very small openings. One such procedure is the Pinhole Procedure. In 2015 Dr. Cabrera introduced a new procedure that was introduced at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Periodontology. This is called The Segmented Vestibular Tunnel. Again, the grafting is accomplished through small incisions.
Depending on the situation, two or more different procedures can be used in the same patient. In the end, the training and skill of the surgeon are much more important than the specific procedures. Dr. Cabrera is well versed in all aspects of treatment.
Pinhole® Surgical Technique
The Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession.
This procedure is performed by making a small hole with a needle in the gum tissue. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth. Since there is no incision or suturing, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Most patients also are pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement.
Benefits to Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Although gum grafting has been the traditional treatment for gum recession, there are many benefits of the Pinhole® Surgical Technique if you are a candidate.
- Immediate functional and aesthetic restoration of your gums
- Correction of multiple teeth in one appointment
- Minimal pain during and after the procedure
- Healing within a few days of surgery
What does the Pinhole® Surgical Technique treatment involve?
Once the need has been determined, you will be given a local anesthesia and then the following steps:
- The doctor will make pinhole-sized incisions in the gum above (or below) your teeth
- The gum is gently released and brought down (or up) to cover the exposed roots
- Collagen strips are then placed under your gums to secure the gum tissue as it heals
As you heal, the collagen strips will integrate into your natural gum tissue, and your gums will remain in position.
What To Expect At Your Consultation Visit
The visual appearance of gum recession has a number of underlying causes and in order to help you, we need to determine what these factors are.
Our overall goal is to understand your concerns, history and symptoms: visual recession, sensitivity, shifting teeth, bleeding, bad breath can determine the overall extent of the problem, as well as why you are having the problem, treatment and prevention.
We also want to be sure to answer all of your questions. This can include recommended treatment, timing, medical history, diabetes, immune compromises, medication list, (there are a number of medications that can cause gum problems), etc.
Having treated literally thousands of patients with conditions very similar to yours, we realize your needs are unique. We will do a clinical exam as a large number of contributing factors will be examined. We will check for disease, determine overall anatomy, measure pockets, measure recession, examine bite (teeth that are positioned outside of the bone are much more susceptible to recession, position of the teeth in the bone (bone thickness) and tissue thickness.
We will also complete a thorough review of your medical history as there are a number of medical conditions that make you more susceptible to gum problems. We may also take photographs, x-rays, and a 3D scan.
Once we have done a thorough evaluation, Dr. Cabrera or Dr. Sabzehei will review their findings with you and discuss next steps.
Peter O. Cabrera, DDS
A native of Havana, Cuba, Dr. Cabrera graduated from St. Patrick High School in Chicago; He completed his undergraduate education at Northwestern University in Evanston and received his Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Illinois. Dr. Cabrera completed his specialty residency in Periodontics at Northwestern University Dental School.
Since Dr. Cabrera began his practice, he has developed various surgical approaches. His work has been featured in several journals including the Journal of the American Dental Association, The Canadian Dental Journal and The Chicago Dental Society Review. Dr. Cabrera's article on Connective Tissue Grafting was one of the first gum grafting articles ever written for the general population instead of dental specialists. You can view it online HERE or download it HERE.
Dr. Cabrera lectures both nationally and internationally. His presentations include The American Academy of Periodontology, The Mexican Academy of Periodontics, The Illinois Society of Periodontists, the Minnesota Dental Society (Northeastern Branch, Rochester, MN), The Mexican Academy of Pediatric Dentists, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists and several universities including The University of Illinois in Chicago, Case Western in Cleveland, Ohio, University of Missouri - Kansas City and the University of Barcelona in Spain. He has been on the staff of The Children’s Memorial Hospital Department of Surgery, division of Dentistry for over 25 years. In order to provide our patients with the best care, Dr. Cabrera is constantly involved in continuing education, both as a participant and an instructor.
In addition to being a member of several state and local societies, Dr. Cabrera’s organization memberships include: American Dental Association, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Periodontology, Chicago Dental Society, The Illinois Society of Periodontists (President 1993-1994) and the Midwest Society of Periodontology (President 2012-2013).
Bahareh Sabzehei, DDS, MS
Dr. Bahareh Sabzehei is a periodontist and implant surgeon who attended the University of Illinois at Chicago. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree in 2005. Following her general dental training, Dr. Sabzehei completed a three-year post-graduate residency program in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During her residency program she also earned Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Oral Sciences. Her research focused on the effect of sex hormones on wound healing.
Prior to finding her calling as a periodontist, Dr. Sabzehei completed 3 years of medical school. Her medical background gives her an unusual perspective in managing patients with medically complex issues.
Dr. Sabzehei has obtained the highest recognition for a specialist in the field of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry by becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery.
She practiced in Chicago from 2008-2012. During this time she was also a faculty member at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
In 2012 her family moved to Orlando where she resumed her clinical practice. In addition to her private practice of Periodontics and Implant Surgery, she was invited to be a faculty member at the University of Florida. During her time in Florida, her focus of practice was comprehensive implant reconstruction, specifically All On Four treatment, commonly known as teeth in a day.
In 2017 Dr. Sabzehei and her family returned home to Chicago. Since that time, Drs. Sabzehei and Cabrera have collaborated on a number of cases to achieve the best results for their patients.
Dr. Sabzehei is passionate about delivering excellent patient care and treats all of her patients with courtesy and respect . She is an active member of several dental societies including The American Academy of Periodontology, The Midwest Society of Periodontology, The Illinois Society of Periodontists and The Academy of Osteointegration. Dr. Sabzehei is actively involved in continuing education as both a participant and a lecturer.
Dr. Sabzehei lives in Chicago with her husband (Molecular Pathologist Dr. Omid Rouhi ) and two children. When not helping her patients, Dr. Sabzehei enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities and painting.
