What is Pinhole Gum Surgery?

Gum recession often occurs as we age and 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 at Featherstone .

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. 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

There are several distinct benefits to Pinhole Surgical Technique, one of the biggest being that it is far less invasive than gum grafting, and as such, does not require as long of a recovery period. Pinhole Surgical Technique can also correct gum recession affecting many teeth in one visit, as opposed to gum grafting which generally requires several visits. The procedure can also be completed in as quickly as 10-15 minutes, which is considerably faster than gum grafting. Along with reduced discomfort and less chair time, Pinhole Surgical Technique also has reduced risk of developing postoperative issues.

While these advantages are significant, and although Pinhole Surgical Technique can be performed in many cases, it is important to be aware that there are instances when this will not be a viable treatment option. For instance, patients who have experienced advanced bone loss may not have enough bone support for the tissue. It will also be necessary to address any inflammation or gum disease prior to performing the procedure. To determine whether Pinhole Surgical Technique or gum grafting are a viable treatment option for you, it will be necessary to first schedule an evaluation to determine the severity of your gum recession and what treatment option is best suited for your needs.

Aftercare Instructions Following Your Procedure 

It is important to follow proper self-care following your procedure to avoid any unnecessary complications and avoid gum recession in the future. Immediately following your procedure, avoid brushing and flossing the area that was treated for 24 hours to allow the gums to heal. You should also follow a soft food diet for at least 24 hours and longer if possible. You may experience mild discomfort during this healing period, but this can typically be managed with over-the counter pain-relieving medication. Following the recovery period, it is essential that you brush and floss twice daily, eat a healthy, balanced diet, and continue scheduling regular dental examinations every six months. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy healthy gums and a bright smile for many years to come!

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