FEATHERSTONE PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY
Pinhole Surgical Technique is a less invasive alternative for correcting recessed gums
Over 35 years of experience with over 20,000 dental implants placed
& More than 60,000 dental surgeries performed
Pinhole Surgical Technique in Rockford, Dixon, Janesville, and Madison
Patients whose gums have receded have likely developed periodontal disease, or are at an increased risk of doing so. Gum recession is typically a gradual process, with early symptoms presenting as sensitivity to stimuli, gums that bleed easily, gums that are inflamed, and/or chronic halitosis. Eventually gums will recede so much that the tooth root becomes exposed, creating the appearance of longer teeth and increasing the patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease. If left untreated, the patient may end up experiencing infections, tooth decay, and eventually, the loss of teeth. Although everyone is at risk of gum recession, one of the most effective methods for avoiding this issue is to schedule regular periodontal exams at least every six months, or with greater frequency for patients who are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.
One of the most effective and minimally invasive methods for treating gum recession is the Pinhole Surgical Technique. The traditional method for correcting recessed gums (gum graft) involves removal of tissue from the roof the patients mouth, which is then stitched over the area of recession. Although this is an effective treatment option for gum recession, the process is invasive and requires an extended period of time to recover and fully heal. Pinhole Surgical Technique offers a less invasive alternative for correcting recessed gums. Rather than removing and stitching grafting material, Pinhole Surgical Technique corrects gum recession by making tiny holes above your gumline, through which special tools are used to reposition your gums, and collagen is placed into the holes to facilitate the healing process and keep the gum tissue in place.
Schedule an Appointment at one of our 4 convenient locations
Rockford, ILLINOIS
1055 Featherstone Road, Suite B
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 261-1739
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DIXON, ILLINOIS
629 North Galena Avenue, Suite 230
Dixon, IL 61201
(815) 261-1739
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JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
111 North Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 208-1576
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MADISON, WISCONSIN
5709 Odana Rd
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 416-5205
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DR. MARK LINDMAN
Dr. Lindman is a native of Rockford. Dr. Lindman received his professional degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. His graduate training in periodontics was completed at Northwestern University College of Dentistry Where he received a Certificate Degree in Periodontics and a Master of Science degree.
DR. JEFFERY BURCH
Dr. Burch grew up in Villa Park, IL. Dr. Burch attended Eastern Illinois University, where he majored in Biochemistry. Dr. Burch earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He received his Certificate Degree in Periodontics and Master of Science from Saint Louis University.
DR. BRANDON HULL
Dr. Hull grew up in Monmouth, IL. Dr. Hull earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University and his Certificate in Periodontics from Saint Louis University, Department of Periodontics. While at Saint Louis University, Dr. Hull completed an anesthesia program and uses sedation and pain control techniques in his practice.
DR. KATRINE ANDREASEN
Dr. Andreasen grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Clemson University. She attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Andreasen continued there to complete a residency in Periodontics and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry.
DR. NOVIN PISHEVAR
Dr. Novin Pishevar grew up in Carol Stream, Illinois and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Health with a focus on aging populations from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After college, Dr. Pishevar received his dental education from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Pinhole Surgical Technique Process Expectations
Prior to performing the Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure, we will conduct an in depth dental and medical health history review in order to determine the underlying reason why Pinhole Surgical Technique is necessary. This process will include an examination of your bite and for any indications of loose teeth, bone loss, TMJ, oral cancer, or signs of periodontal disease.
Once the underlying cause has been identified and it is determined that Pinhole Surgical Technique is the appropriate treatment option for you, the Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure will typically begin with administration of a local anesthetic and/or sedation. Following this, small pinholes are made in your gum tissue, through which special instruments are used to reposition the remaining gum tissue over the areas that have receded. Once this tissue has been properly repositioned, collagen strips are placed into the pinholes to facilitate the healing process and keep the gum tissue in place.
Aftercare Following Pinhole Surgical Technique
Although the recovery process following Pinhole Surgical Technique is shorter than traditional treatment of gum recession, it is still important to take proper care of your wounds for the first six weeks. Avoid brushing over the surgical area, and avoid touching the area with your tongue, finger, or any other objects. It is also important to avoid flossing during this time, though you may use a water-pik. To minimize post-procedural risks and ensure a speedy recovery, follow these and any additional post-operative instructions provided by your periodontist.
- To reduce pain or discomfort, take the recommended dosage of prescribed painkillers and/or over-the counter medication.
- Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing and do not touch the wound
- To reduce swelling, apply an ice bag over the area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time.
- Avoid intense physical activity and rest as much as possible for the first week
- Eat soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or soup for the first ten days and slowly reintroduce harder foods as the healing process progresses.
- Continue practicing good oral self-care to avoid developing similar issues
By following these instructions and continuing to keep your teeth and gums clean, you will enjoy a fast healing process and can return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
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Please use the contact form for general practice inquiries only – specific patient care questions must be addressed with your doctor during a consultation appointment.
Cost of Pinhole Surgical Technique
The cost of Pinhole Surgical Technique will depend on several factors, such as whether dental sedation is used, the severity of your case, and your dental insurance plan. At Featherstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing you with high-quality, comprehensive periodontal services, which is why we provide you with flexible payment options to ensure that you receive the care you require.
If you are covered under a dental insurance plan, we do ask that you bring your insurance cards and any necessary forms with you to your appointment. We are happy to provide a pre-estimate of dental benefits prior to treatment, and will submit any receipts, forms, or other information required by your insurance company. Once insurance payment has been received, the remaining balance will be mailed to you.
Please note: our office does offer a 5% reduction in fee for full payment at the time services are provided (contingent on treatment type). We also offer extended payment plans through GreenSky Patient Solutions or Care Credit. For your convenience, we accept cash, personal check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard or American Express.
Periodontal Care You Can Trust at Featherstone
At Featherstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing high-quality care and supporting your efforts to enjoy good periodontal health by identifying and correcting periodontal issues early, and implementing correct and consistent oral health self-care. Although we offer a range of surgical treatment options for periodontal disease and its associated health and cosmetic impacts, our primary focus is to provide conservative treatment, avoiding surgery whenever possible.
To learn more about clinic policies or schedule an appointment for Pinhole Surgical Technique, contact our Rockford office at 815.261.1739, our Dixon office at 815.261.1739, our Janesville office at 608.208.1576, or our Madison office at 608.416.5205.