Pinhole Surgical Technique vs. Gum Grafting for Gum Recession
Gum recession often occurs as we age and can occur in patients with untreated gum disease. When the gums begin to recede, more tooth becomes exposed. If left untreated long enough, the roots of the teeth will eventually be visible, which will not only negatively impact the appearance of your smile, but will also increase your vulnerability to infections, which can lead to the development of other oral health issues, including the loss of teeth. Gum recession can be corrected either by a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique.
Pinhole Surgical Technique vs. Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is the traditional method for correcting recessed gums and involves the use of periosteal elevators and scalpels to remove tissue (typically from the roof of your mouth) and sutures to keep the grafting tissue in place. Additional options for grafting material include donor tissue or a synthetic graft, which will make the gum grafting procedure far less invasive. Gum grafting has a very high success rate and is a viable treatment option for most patients.
Pinhole Surgical Technique is a far less invasive procedure that restores the gum line by making pinholes where the recession has occurred, through which specialized instruments elevate and push the periosteum into proper position. Following this, collagen strips are pushed under the gingiva to cover the root surfaces. In addition to supporting the tissue, these strips also help speed up the healing process.
Benefits of Pinhole Surgical Technique
Though both have a high procedural success rate, compared to gum grafting, Pinhole Surgical Technique has a much higher patient satisfaction rate, which can be attributed to the following unique benefits of the procedure:
- Less procedural discomfort
- Faster treatment time
- Faster recovery time
- Does not require scalpels, sutures, or a gum graft
- Results are practically immediate
- Low procedural risk
- Fewer appointments necessary
- Procedure can treat multiple teeth in a shorter amount of time
Am I a Good Candidate for Pinhole Surgical Technique?
While both treatment options are effective methods for treating gum recession, patients who meet the following criteria are ideally suited for Pinhole Surgical Technique:
- Gums are recessed and affecting either or both your oral health and the aesthetic appearance of your smile
- Have symptoms associated with recessed gums, such as tooth sensitivity or loosened teeth
- Experiencing feelings of self-consciousness about the appearance of your smile
- Are a non-smoker and/or are willing to commit to quitting tobacco use and practicing good oral hygiene
- Have an adequate amount of gum tissue next to the area(s) of recession
- Suffer from dental phobia or have extreme sensitivity and would prefer a less invasive procedure that requires less chair time
- Have good general oral health aside from receded gums
In addition to these criteria, which treatment option is best suited for your unique needs will also be informed by your overall oral health, which will be evaluated by your dentist or periodontist, who can help you determine which treatment option is best suited for your needs and answer any additional questions you might have.
More on Pinhole Surgical Technique : Pinhole Surgical Technique Frequently Asked Questions