Gum recession – Gum recession is a condition where gums pull away or recede from the tooth, often exposing the roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and loss of supporting bone. Gum recession may be caused by periodontal disease, brushing too forcefully with a hard bristle toothbrush, trauma, or a tooth that is not properly positioned.
In addition to gum and tooth health, receding gums also impact the aesthetics of your smile by making tooth roots visible or by simply showing more tooth surface than you would like. ("Toothy" smile)
Periodontal treatment is required to prevent further recession in the affected area and neighboring teeth.
Gum graft surgery – Traditional treatment of gum recession involves gum graft surgery. Dr. Aldredge takes gum tissue from another site in your mouth, usually the palate, or from another donor source, and uses it to cover the exposed tooth root. The gum graft is sutured in place and integrates with the existing gum as it heals, successfully covering the desired area of the tooth.
Pinhole Technique – Increasingly, patients are opting for our new, non-invasive Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedure to quickly correct gum recession. Dr. Aldredge is certified to use the Pinhole method, which does not use a scalpel or sutures. Read more about the Pinhole technique, or call Dr. Aldredge to discuss this game-changing procedure.

Gum recession before treatment Restored gums after Pinhole treatment
"Gummy" smile - A patient may have beautiful teeth, but feel that too much gum tissue negatively impacts their smile. Dr. Aldredge can perform a crown lengthening, removing excess soft tissue surrounding the top of the tooth to expose more tooth surface. Gum reshaping or recontouring can correct an uneven gumline.
Insufficient bone mass - Periodontal disease, along with injury or a congenital condition, can cause bone loss in the jaw. As In such cases, surgery to replace and regrow that bone tissue is imperative to periodontal health.
With ridge augmentation surgery, Dr. Aldredge places a bone tissue graft in the area with low bone density to restore proper mass and provide a solid base for dental implants.
Sinus lift surgery is a similar procedure, specifically for increasing bone density in the upper back jaw under the sinuses, where there can be insufficient bone for supporting implants. Dr. Aldredge performs surgery to raise the sinus floor up, crating space for a bone graft and new bone growth.
Placing dental implants where teeth are missing helps preserve existing bone and encourage new bone growth. Maintaining that bone structure also maintains the natural shape of your jaw and face. Learn more about dental implants.
Dr. Aldredge is dedicated to saving teeth from periodontal disease. He constantly researches and reviews the newest periodontal treatment techniques that will provide excellent results while keeping patient comfort in mind.