Dr. Patel
Periodontist
The training that Dr. Patel has received has given him a wide range of experience in treating advanced periodontal disease, complicated extractions of teeth, placement of dental implants, bone regenerative procedures, as well as in periodontal plastic surgery/cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Pooria Fallah
Periodontist
Dr. Fallah received his DDS degree in 2009 and subsequently completed his residency program in Periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry in 2015. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontics in 2016 and has been practicing periodontics in private practice in Dallas since 2015.
Dr. Husain
Periodontist
Dr. Husain is proficient in dental surgical procedures involving bone and soft tissue grafting, dental implant placement, minimally invasive LANAP and other laser procedures, and treating chronic periodontal diseases.
Dr. Li
Periodontist
Dr. Li is a Board-Certified periodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A Diplomate is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants.
The PST Process
In order to determine if PST is right for you, you will need to schedule an initial consultation, during which we will examine the overall health of your teeth, review your medical history, and determine what treatment options are best suited to your unique needs.
If PST is determined to be the optimal treatment option for you, your procedure will typically begin with a local anesthetic. The type of anesthesia that is used may vary, depending upon the severity of your case as well as your overall sensitivity. Once you are properly numbed, your periodontist will make a small hole in your gumline that is approximately 6-7 millimeters. The severity of your case and the number of teeth that need to be treated will determine how many pinholes are made. Your periodontist will then use specialized instruments to reposition the gums to the proper position. Once properly placed, the procedure will conclude with the placement of collagen strips, which are used to support the tissue at the new position and help facilitate the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions about PST
Can PST be performed by any dentist?
PST requires specialized training and can only be provided to patients by doctors who have completed the Pinhole Academy training under Dr. Chao. As such, the procedure is not available at all clinics.
Is the procedure painful?
There is minimal discomfort involved with the PST procedure, and significantly less discomfort compared to the traditional gum grafting procedure. Because there are no sutures or cutting required, patient recovery time is also significantly quicker.
How long does PST take?
The procedure time will vary from patient to patient, but each pinhole actually only takes seconds. Every pinhole that is made will allow your periodontist to address the gums of three teeth.
Will PST cure gum disease?
PST is not a cure for gum disease; it is a procedure that restores the gum line. Patients who have periodontal disease will need to address that issue before having PST.
Is PST a permanent correction?
Yes, although there are a range of factors that can cause gum recession to return, such as aging, genetics, and over-brushing.
What is the success rate of PST?
PST has a success rate of over 90%.
Aftercare Following PST
Following your pinhole surgical technique procedure, it will be necessary to follow specific aftercare instructions. To maximize the benefits and longevity of this procedure, it is critical to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily, ideally every time you brush your teeth. It is also important to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques. In addition to practicing consistent and proper oral self-care, it is also important to schedule regular checkups every six months. By maintaining a consistent oral health care routine, you will significantly reduce your risk of developing additional periodontal issues and will continue enjoying a bright and healthy smile.
Procedure Cost
There are a range of factors that can impact the final cost of having PST performed, such as the severity of your case, any associated procedures that will need to be performed prior to or along with treatment, and your insurance plan.
Our team is committed to helping you complete necessary paperwork, schedule appointments, and answer any questions you have concerning billing. For patients who have insurance plans, we do request that you submit medical/dental insurance information with your New Patient Paperwork to expedite this process.
Please note: to reduce costs to our patients while still ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care, we have the following financial policies:
- We accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
- Full payment is due after services are rendered
- Payment plan options are available via www.CareCredit.com
PERIODONTAL SERVICES
To determine if you have gum disease, your periodontist will measure the space between your teeth and gums. Patients who have pockets that are deeper than the average depth of three millimeters or less will be considered candidates for treating gum disease. Depending upon how severe your case is, your periodontist will suggest a follow-up appointment, during which several different treatment options may be recommended.
Patients who are suffering from periodontal disease may experience gum recession. If this issue is not treated at an early stage, more complicated and serious problems can develop, as gum recession creates greater exposure of your natural teeth, which creates opportunities for bacteria to build. To address this issue, patients have historically had gum grafting, which involves removing tissue from unaffected areas and then grafting this tissue to the areas that have been affected. This is an effective method for addressing the issue of receding gums. There is a newer and increasingly popular approach to treating receding gums, which is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST).
Laser gum surgery is an advanced treatment option that efficiently and painlessly treats gum disease through the use of a laser. One of the unique aspects of laser gum surgery is that the laser pinpoints and kills bacteria without damaging surrounding gum tissue. Unlike other treatment options, which involve cutting and suturing, patients who have laser gum surgery and treatment performed will have a much quicker healing process.
Patients who have gum recession may consider having a gum graft, a common oral surgical procedure that thickens existing gums and/or covers a tooth root surface in order to prevent further recession from occurring. Gum recession can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is due to periodontal disease. A gum graft will not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile but will also reduce your risk of developing additional issues.
Patients who have an imbalanced ratio between their visible gums and teeth have what is commonly referred to as a gummy smile. Gummy smiles can be caused by a range of factors, including bone deterioration, periodontal disease, or genetic predisposition. Regardless of the reason, patients often feel self-conscious about their appearance and will seek to improve this issue by having a gum contouring procedure performed.
Scaling and Root Planing (also known as deep teeth cleaning and deep gum cleaning) is a common method used to address periodontal disease. Scaling refers to the process of removing tartar that has accumulated, either on your teeth or below your gumline. Planing refers to the removal of tartar below the root line. When bacteria are allowed to settle on your teeth for too long, it will eventually mineralize and turn into tartar. The primary difference between plaque and tartar is that plaque can be removed by conventional brushing methods, whereas tartar will need to be removed through the efforts of your periodontist. It is important to schedule regular deep teeth cleaning and deep gum cleaning appointments to prevent periodontal disease from developing.
Schedule Your Visit Today
At ROOT™ Periodontal and Implant Center, we take your oral health seriously. That is why we provide expert services that are intended to return stability, strength, and beauty to your oral cavity. Whether it be through periodontal or implant care, we will restore both your smile and confidence.
If you would like to learn more about PST and see if PST is right for you, schedule an appointment for a consultation today. We provide services at the following locations:
Carrollton: (972) 242-7603
Flower Mound: (972) 434-8050
Denton: (940) 566-7021
Frisco: (469) 489-ROOT
We look forward to meeting you and providing you with the expert care you need!