Recession is BONE LOSS. When the roots of your teeth become visible, not only is the tooth losing bone, but it will have an increased risk of tooth loss, developing cavities, and sensitivity. Dr. J David Cross, DDS is one of a few select periodontists in the country who utilize a specific microsurgical connective tissue graft treatment. This highly specialized procedure will protect the bone and will restore a natural and esthetic gum line.
As an experienced periodontal microsurgeon, Dr. J. David Cross has conducted thousands of successful gum grafts to patients in Springfield and Central Illinois. He follows a unique and specialized microsurgical technique that allows for highly precise procedures. In turn, this improves patient comfort and speeds healing time.
An Overview of Connective Tissue Grafts
When your gums recede from your teeth to reveal your tooth roots, it’s a sign that you are losing bone around your teeth. Some of the factors that contribute to this condition are:
- Aggressive oral hygiene. If you are brushing too hard or flossing too aggressively, you can damage the bone and the gum of the surrounding teeth.
- Improper toothbrush. Some toothbrushes use hard or medium bristles. The stiffness of these bristles can harm the bone and the gums.
- Damaged Smiles. Other injuries or traumas to your mouth may cause the bone and the gums to recess.
- Genetic Predisposition. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to bone loss/recession.
When your bone and gums have inflammation, this leads to recession. This bone loss can put the stability of your teeth at risk over time. You may also notice increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods, and your teeth may begin to look elongated.
Dr. Cross may recommend that Springfield patients receive connective tissue grafts to treat gingival recession and bone loss. The procedure places grafts of tissue over the areas of loss and sculpts these grafts to match your original gum line. Not only will the grafted site protect the root and bone better, but the gum graft will also look completely natural.
Dr. Cross’ Approach to Connective Tissue Grafts
The optimal way to perform connective tissue grafts is microsurgery, and Springfield patients benefit from Dr. Cross’ extensive training in this technique. He can see up to 26 times more accurately with the microscope than with using the naked eye alone. This allows him to:
- Place gum grafts more accurately, promoting their success.
- Use extremely small instruments and sutures for better patient comfort and results.
- Provide highly esthetic and natural results.
By delicately placing a graft in the area of bone loss and recession, Dr. Cross recreates the gum line and provides for a more esthetically pleasing smile. Patients typically have an extremely positive response to their outcome as well as their experience before, during, and after treatment.
If your teeth appear longer than normal and you are concerned about receding gums, you may be a good candidate for connective tissue grafts. Schedule an appointment at Dr. Cross’ Springfield office online or by phone at (217) 793-0196.
