Understanding Gum Recession and Gum Disease

Gum recession is often one of the first visible signs of gum disease, a chronic condition that affects nearly half of American adults. At our Wilmington, NC dental office we take a comprehensive approach to gum health—starting with accurate diagnosis and early intervention. Whether your gum loss is due to gingivitis, periodontitis, or aggressive brushing, it’s essential to treat both the underlying cause and the cosmetic effects.

For many patients, treatment begins with professional periodontal care, such as scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or custom at-home care routines. Once inflammation is controlled and the tissue is healthy, we can restore your gumline with Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation—a minimally invasive technique that avoids the discomfort and long healing times of traditional gum grafts.

By combining modern periodontal treatment with advanced cosmetic techniques, we help you regain both your health and confidence in your smile.

Why Fix Receding Gums

Receding gums may be common, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Left untreated, they can:

  • Make your smile appear uneven or aged
  • Expose dull, unattractive tooth roots
  • Cause tooth sensitivity
  • Lead to root decay
  • Increase your risk of tooth loss

Gums are meant to cover and protect the roots of your teeth and the surrounding jawbone. When they recede, they expose these more fragile areas to damage. That’s why you may feel more sensitivity to hot and cold or notice your teeth looking crooked or worn. In some cases, BioClear may also be recommended to improve the appearance of black triangles and enhance overall aesthetics.

Treating receding gums is also important if you’re considering dental implants—now or in the future. Healthy gum tissue plays a crucial role in protecting implants, improving healing, and ensuring a natural appearance. If gum recession is present, it can leave the implant base exposed or create an uneven gumline around the restoration. Gum rejuvenation helps create the stable, healthy tissue necessary for long-term implant success and aesthetics.

Before

before Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation

After

after Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation

Why Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation Is Different

If you’ve considered fixing your receding gums but avoided treatment because of the discomfort or healing time associated with grafting, the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique offers a more comfortable solution.

Instead of removing tissue from another part of your mouth, this technique gently repositions your existing gum tissue over the exposed roots. The repositioned tissue is then stabilized with collagen, a natural protein that promotes healing without the need for stitches.

Benefits of the Chao Pinhole® method include:

  • Less discomfort
  • No donor tissue required
  • Faster recovery
  • No scalpels or sutures
  • Beautiful, natural-looking results

This innovative treatment is gaining popularity nationwide—and it’s available right here in Wilmington, NC at Kuzma Advanced Dentistry.

If you’re ready to restore your gumline and protect your teeth from further damage, call (910) 392-6060 to schedule your consultation.