Are you curious about the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ (PST) for receding gums? Find out more in this article. Dr. Bret Dyer of Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology is a renowned periodontist in Sugar Land, TX offering this minimally invasive surgical technique.
Receding gums: What you should know
Receding gums is a widespread dental issue affecting numerous people around the country. According to the CDA, periodontal (gum) disease causes receding gums in three out of four American adults, which often goes undiagnosed.
Receding gums occurs when the mass of gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back or wears away over time, leaving the root, or most of the teeth exposed. When this happens, the gap created allows disease-causing bacteria to accumulate, resulting in infection or damage to the surrounding dental tissues, tooth decay, and, ultimately, tooth loss.
Causes and symptoms
Common symptoms of receding gums include longer or loose teeth with exposed roots and tooth sensitivity. Some leading causes of receding gums include gum diseases, genetics, poor brushing habits (such as vigorous or incorrect brushing), poor dental hygiene, and smoking.
What is Pinhole Surgery?
Also known as the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation or Lunchtime gum lift, the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ is a minimally invasive procedure for fixing gum recession invented and patented by Dr. John Chao, DDS, MAGD. Periodontists usually require special training in this receding gums treatment to carry it out correctly.
Without using a scalpel, gum graft, or suture, a periodontist creates a 2-3mm pinhole incision in the mucosa and over the papillae of a gingival recession using special needles designed by Dr. Chao himself. The tools are re-inserted into the incision and used to guide the loosened gum tissue over the exposed tooth up to an adequate level. Strips of collagen are then inserted into the incision to hold the realigned tissues in place.
Benefits over conventional gum grafting
The conventional gum grafting technique transplants soft gum tissue over a receded tooth. However, the color of the graft may not match properly with the rest of the gum, and the treatment may cause severe discomfort to patients.
Pinhole surgery offers the following benefits over gum grafting:
- Minimally invasive: Unlike soft tissue grafting, the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ is minimally invasive.
- Time-saving: The entire PST process takes under two hours for a full mouth, saving valuable time for busy patients
- Faster recovery: Since there are no cuts or sutures in the post-operative area, recovery times are significantly faster than in grafting surgeries
Is Pinhole Surgery right for you?
The Pinhole Surgical Technique™ provides a permanent fix for receding gums in people of all ages. However, patients should first consult a PST periodontist for a physical examination of the affected teeth before undergoing a procedure.
Pinhole surgery may be right for you if:
- You have no previous history of periodontal disease
- Your gum disease is adequately managed
- You prefer not to undergo conventional surgical treatments
Book a Pinhole® Surgical Procedure with Dr. Bret Dyer!
If you’re looking for a dentist in Sugar land TX to fix your receding gums, Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology has got you covered! Dr. Bret Dyer is trained and experienced in The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. Our periodontist provides a lasting solution for receding gums, delivering results in under two hours with fast recovery times. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dyer, please call us at (281) 980 2344. or fill out a contact form.
