If you are curious to learn more about pinhole surgery, a breakthrough technique for treating receding gums, this article is for you! Receding gums (Gingival recession) is a very common dental issue that affects people of all ages. In fact, research has shown that more than 50% of the population have gum recession of up to 1 mm or greater.
Why Does Gum Recession Occur?
Your gums play essential roles in your oral cavity. They hold your teeth in place, cover the bones of the teeth and provide a barrier against the growth of bacteria. Receding gums occur when gum tissues pull away from around the teeth, causing most of the teeth or the root in some cases, to become exposed. Gaps in the gums created by recession cause bacteria to thrive, resulting in infection, tooth decay, or serious dental conditions leading to tooth loss. Gum recession occurs for many reasons, e.g., old age, gum disease, aggressive oral hygiene (e.g., brushing or flossing too hard), or even genetics.
What is Pinhole Surgery?
Unlike other treatment protocols for Gingival recession such as gum grafting, the Pinhole surgical technique, aka the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is a minimally-invasive procedure that is scalpel or suture-free. The technique was invented and patented by Dr. John Chao, DDS, MAGD, a renowned dentist from Alhambra, CA. The procedure must be carried out strictly by dental professionals who have undergone special training in pinhole surgery.
How Does Pinhole Surgery Work?
Without using a scalpel, gum graft, or suture, a periodontist creates a 2-3 mm incision in the mucous membrane and over the papillae of the receded gum using special needles. Then, the periodontist re-inserts the needles into the incision, gently pulls the loose gum tissues over the receded area to an ideal level, and inserts strips of collagen to hold them in place. Pinhole surgery offers a host of benefits over conventional gum recession treatments. It is minimally invasive and time-saving. The entire procedure is typically completed in under 2 hours, which is perfect for today’s busy professionals. Moreover, recovery times take nothing more than 24-48 hours.
Is Pinhole Surgery Right For Me?
To find out if you’re a good candidate for the pinhole surgical technique, make sure you see a dentist or periodontist who has undertaken special training in pinhole surgery to examine your gums and carry out the procedure in a safe manner. You may be a good candidate for pinhole surgery if you have no previous history of periodontal disease or if it is being properly managed and also if you prefer to not undergo conventional gum grafting.
Get Your Pinhole Surgery Done Today With Dr. Dyer!
Dr. Bret Dyer of Fort Bend Periodontics & Implantology in Sugar Land, TX, is highly trained in the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) for treating receding gums. Our PST is scalpel and suture-free, often resulting in immediate results. It offers a permanent solution for varying degrees of Gingival recession and the procedure often takes less than two hours, with quick recovery times.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dyer, please contact us online or call us at (281) 957-8820.
