What is Pinhole Gum Surgery?
Pinhole Gum Surgery frisco tx (aka Pinhole Surgical Technique or PST) is a minimally invasive method for correcting gum recession. Gum recession is a common occurrence as we age and in patients who have developed periodontal disease. As the gums recede, more of the tooth becomes exposed, which can eventually result in the roots of the tooth being visible. In addition to having a negative impact on the cosmetic appearance of your smile, recessed gums leave your mouth more vulnerable to infections. Two of the most common methods for correcting gum recession are pinhole surgical technique and gum grafting.
Unlike the traditional method of gum grafting, which involves using periosteal elevators, scalpels, and sutures, Pinhole Surgical Technique corrects recessed gums by making a small pinhole in the area of recession, then places a specialized instrument through the hole 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.
Advantages of Pinhole Surgical Technique
There are several distinct advantages to PST compared to traditional grafting, one of the biggest being the ability to treat many teeth in one visit, unlike gum grafting, which often requires multiple visits over an extended period of time. Additional advantages to PST include less postoperative pain, lower risk of postoperative issues, better patient acceptance, and shorter required chair time. Also, unlike gum grafting, which can take hours and require multiple visits over a period of time, Pinhole Surgical Technique allows your dentist to work on multiple teeth in as little as 10-15 minutes. While this approach is faster overall, the total time of treatment will ultimately depend upon your unique circumstances and the severity of your gum recession.
Although PST can be an effective treatment option for patients with recessed gums, there are instances when PST may not be a viable treatment option, such as when there is lack of bone support for the tissue due to advanced bone loss. It will also be necessary for the patient to be free of periodontal disease and inflammation prior to performing the procedure.
Aftercare Instructions
Although there is some risk involved with having any procedure performed, Pinhole Surgical Technique has a very high success rate of 90%+, which is equivalent to the traditional method of gum grafting. It is important to note that a major factor in prolonged success following the procedure depends on the level of self-care the patient follows. Patients can generally return to their normal daily activities immediately following this procedure, however it is important to avoid brushing or flossing for the first 24 hours after to give the gums time to heal. It is also recommended that patients follow a soft food diet for the first 24 hours, after which they can begin to reintroduce harder foods. Mild discomfort may occur during this period but can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain-relieving medication.
More Information on Pinhole Gum Surgery Technique : PST vs Gum Grafting for Recession
