At MK Periodontics and Implants, Dr. Karbakhsch and Dr. Katafuchi have created an environment where Puyallup patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns, where their doctor collaborates with them in their treatment, and where they can feel confident in the care they receive.
Our personal and attentive approach is one of the many reasons why so many dentists send their patients to us. Treating gum recession is more than just removing the bacterial infection and repairing the damage. It’s about providing patients with the support they need to achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful, natural-looking result.
Understanding Gum Recession
Dr. Karbakhsch and Dr. Katafuchi recognize that patients may be anxious about getting treatment. Some may even delay care, which can make problems like gum recession worse. Please know that we are here to make your experience as relaxed, open, and friendly as possible.
It can help to have a better understanding of what gum recession is. This condition can occur when your mouth develops a “broken gum seal,” allowing bacteria to enter. As your gums recede from the infection, you may be able to see more of the tooth’s crown and eventually even the root of the tooth. This can cause both aesthetic and oral health problems. Long-term, exposed tooth roots can lead to bone and tooth loss.
If you or your dentist sees signs of gum recession, we encourage you to visit our practice near Puyallup, WA. Our doctors and staff are committed to making your time with us positive and supportive. We’ll talk with you about what we see, give you an honest and professional evaluation of your needs, and help you take control of your treatment.
Learn More About Gum Recession In This Video
Gum Recession and Your Health
Some people are more susceptible to gum recession than others, even if they take excellent care of their teeth. Regular appointments with your general dentist and consultation with your general practitioner can help you know if you fall into this category. In this case, Dr. Karbakhsch and Dr. Katafuchi can take preventative measures either to repair the damage before it becomes too severe or to strengthen your gums against recession.
Factors that can lead to gum recession include:
- Naturally thin gum tissue.
- Rigorous teeth brushing.
- Picking at the gum tissue.
- Dental work, like crown replacements or braces, which can weaken the area around the teeth.
There are also health issues that have a relationship with gum recession. Puyallup patients with diabetes, people who have dry mouth, those who have certain types of cancer, or who take medication for anxiety or depression: all have gum recession on a more common basis. When you visit our practice, we’ll invite you to discuss factors that may contribute to gum recession so that we can help protect your smile.
Visiting MK Periodontics and Implants for Gum Recession Treatment
During your appointment, our doctors and staff will get to know you, talk through the concerns you have, and make sure you are comfortable with every part of the process. We see our patients as partners, and a culture of care guides every aspect of our practice.
Typically, patients will take photos and diagnostic X-rays, which will allow their doctor to determine the degree of gum recession and underlying bone damage that’s taken place. This imaging isn’t invasive at all, and we’ll explain what we’re doing at each step.
After performing an examination and reviewing your diagnostic information, your doctor will take the time to discuss your treatment options and to answer any questions you may have. In many cases, our Puyallup patients can receive same-day treatment.
What You Can Expect With Gum Recession Treatment
We use several minimally invasive approaches for treating gum recession. By replacing the tissue you’ve lost with donor tissue and carefully designing the new gum line, we can prevent future damage to your teeth and give you back an aesthetically appealing smile.
Your gum recession surgery will take place at our practice:
- Most patients will receive either light oral sedation or IV sedation from a board-certified anesthesiologist.
- We encourage you to get comfortable! Feel free to kick off your shoes, get cozy under a blanket, and listen to music as the medication relaxes you.
- We will speed up the healing process with BEMER therapy. This post-operative treatment enhances circulation, decreases recovery time, and lessens overall discomfort.
Following gum recession treatment, MK Periodontics and Implants recommends that our Puyallup patients take it easy for a few days. We will also provide a special toothbrush, an antibacterial rinse, and instructions for aftercare.
Once you’ve fully healed, your gums should have an even and natural appearance, and the surgery should help keep a bacterial infection from reoccurring. We’ll be there to assist you if you have questions or concerns along the way.
If gum recession is affecting your smile and causing damage to your teeth and supporting bone, contact MK Periodontics and Implants for an appointment. Contact us online or by phone at (253) 752-6336 to schedule an appointment today. We are only about a 25 minute drive from Puyallup, WA.
