We restore the attractive balance and health of your smile with a range of gum treatments

The gums or gingival tissues play an important role in the appearance and health of your smile. They “frame” the teeth and help to protect and hold them in place. Healthy gums are pinkish-red, smooth, firm, and held tight against the teeth. These soft tissues do not look overly red and puffy and are in proportion with the teeth and the rest of your smile.

A smile can appear “toothy” due to gum recession. This condition refers to the gums receding or pulling away from the teeth. Ramsin K. Davoud DDS in Turlock, California, pinpoints the underlying causes of gum recession to restore a beautifully balanced smile. 

More than a cosmetic concern 

Commonly, gum recession is a symptom of periodontal disease. Without treatment, bacterial plaque releases toxins. These toxins inflame the gums and trigger an inflammatory response, which ultimately breaks down the supportive soft tissues and bone. The periodontal pockets or spaces that form between the teeth and gums further promote the progression of gum disease. This condition is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. In addition to the cosmetic effects of gum recession and periodontal disease, patients may notice: 

• “Pink in the sink” (blood on their toothbrush and floss)
• Tenderness when brushing or touching the gums 
• Sensitivity, especially when drinking and eating sweet or hot and cold foods and beverages

Many oral conditions, including gum disease, produce little to no symptoms during their earliest stages. So, it is essential to maintain routine exams at our office. Dr. Davoud uses his keen eye and advanced diagnostics to detect problems that might otherwise be missed. When patients notice changes, damage may have already been done. By detecting and addressing these issues early on, we avoid the damage and trauma that ultimately leads to the need for aggressive, costly, and time-consuming restorative treatments. 

Treatment options 

If Dr. Davoud determines that gum disease is to blame, a “deep cleaning” of the gum line and root surfaces may be the first line of defense. Generally, Dr. Davoud recommends conservative, nonsurgical treatment. He is also adept at the Chao^® Pinhole Surgical Technique. This alternative to invasive, uncomfortable traditional cutting techniques supports natural healing and reattachment of the gums and teeth by making a tiny, pin-sized opening to access and reposition tissues. 

We can also advise on other therapies and recommendations to address other causes of receding gums, including: 

• Aggressive brushing and flossing of the teeth and gumline 
• Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching
• Malocclusion or “bite” problems

Depending on what Dr. Davoud finds after evaluating your mouth, he may suggest everything from modifications to hygiene to oral appliance therapy (nightguards for teeth grinding) and orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign^®. 

Call (209) 690-8051 to schedule an appointment at our office in Turlock, CA, today.

Back to Pinhole Surgical Technique Page