Pinhole Surgical Technique
What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
The pinhole surgical technique is a type of procedure that is done for patients who have receding gums. Gum recession can occur for a variety of reasons, but it leaves the roots of the teeth exposed and sensitive to external stimuli. Unlike typical soft tissue grafting, the pinhole technique involves creating a small pinhole through the gums and then loosening and pulling the gum tissue over the exposed area. There are no sutures or scalpels involved, so it’s incredibly noninvasive.
Why is the Pinhole Surgical Technique needed?
The reason you may want or need the pinhole surgical technique is because you have gum recession. Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors and can get worse over time without treatment. You may find that the exposed roots of your teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold liquids as well as more susceptible to decay. Some common reasons for gum recession include:
- Periodontal disease
- Brushing too hard
- Using a hard bristled toothbrush
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
Who is a good candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
We can perform an examination to help in determining if you may need or would benefit from gum recession treatment using the pinhole surgical technique. If you have gum recession, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Over time, the recession can get worse, and this can lead to both bone and tooth loss as well as issues with severe sensitivity. The pinhole surgical technique is an easy and noninvasive way to treat gum recession.
What happens during the Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure?
The pinhole surgical technique typically starts with a local anesthetic that is used to slightly numb the area. We then create a small pinhole through the gums and use special tools to loosen the soft tissue. Once loosened, we again use special tools to pull the tissue across the exposed root. This process is repeated for any other teeth within the mouth that require recession treatment. There are no sutures or scalpels needed, and recovery time is minimal when compared to other options. It is important to prevent gum recession from occurring in the future by practicing proper oral hygiene and quitting smoking.
If you think you may need the pinhole surgical technique or want to learn more about it, call the office today and we can help to answer all of your questions.
