Pinhole Surgical Technique vs. Gum Grafting for Gum Recession

Gum recession commonly occurrs as we age and/or as a result of periodontal disease. As gums recede, more of the tooth becomes exposed, which eventually results in the roots of the tooth being visible. In addition to having a negative impact on the cosmetic appearance of your smile, recessed gums also leave your mouth vulnerable to infections. Two of the most common methods for correcting gum recession are Pinhole Surgical Technique dallas fort worth and gum grafting.

Gum Graft Vs. Pinhole Surgical Technique

The traditional approach to correcting recessed gums is through a gum grafting procedure, which involves the removal of graft tissue (typically from the roof of your mouth) which is then stitched over the areas of recession. Donor tissue or synthetic variants can also be used to reduce the invasive nature of the procedure. Gum grafting is an effective treatment options for correcting gum recession, however it is an invasive procedure that requires the use of scalpels and sutures and grafting material and involves a longer recovery period.

Unlike the traditional method of gum grafting, which involves using periosteal elevators, scalpels, and sutures, Pinhole Surgical Technique corrects recessed gum by making a small pinhole in the area of recession, through which a specialized instrument is used to elevate the periosteum and push it into proper position. Once it is properly positioned, collagen strips are placed through the pinhole and pushed under the gingiva to cover the surfaces of the roots that had previously been exposed. These strips effectively support the tissue in its new position and facilitates the healing process.

Unique Benefits of Pinhole Surgical Technique

Although both gum grafting and PST are effective methods for treating gum recession, there are several unique benefits of PST compared to gum grafting, which include the following:

• Faster recovery time
• Significantly less discomfort during and following treatment
• Treatment time significantly reduced
• Can be performed without the use of scalpels
• Suture free procedure
• No gum graft required
• Creates immediate results

Another unique advantage to PST is that, unlike gum grafting, which can take hours and require multiple treatments over an extended period of time, Pinhole Surgical Technique allows your dentist to work on multiple teeth in as little as 10-15 minutes.

Which Treatment Option is Best for Me?

Although gum grafting and PST are both effective treatment options for correcting recessed gums, patients who meet any or all of the following criteria may be better candidates for PST:

• Have experienced significant tooth loss and want to improve the aesthetic appearance of their smile
• Have developed extreme tooth sensitivity due to receded gums
• Have a sufficient amount of gum tissue adjacent to the areas of recession
• Are a non-smoker or a smoker who is willing to quit
• Strongly prefer a minimally invasive procedure with shorter recovery time but equally high success rate as gum grafting

If you have additional questions about either procedure and which is best suited for your particular needs, schedule an appointment with your regular dentist or periodontist, who can address any additional questions you may have and offer their professional recommendation.

More Information on Pinhole Gum Surgery Technique : Pinhole Surgery Frequently Asked Questions