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Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation
What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
The Pinhole® Surgical Technique offers a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, it is incision and suture-free. Dr. John Chao created all the tools and techniques used to perform the Pinhole® Surgical Technique. He trained our doctor in this method. We offer the Pinhole Surgical Technique as one way to correct gum recession. In some cases, the extent of gum damage requires techniques that need sutures.
These may even involve using graft tissue prepared in a lab or harvested from the roof of your mouth. To avoid discomfort associated with taking tissue from the roof of your mouth, Dr. Zeitlin prefers treating gum disease at the earliest stage possible. This approach aims to achieve excellent outcomes without needing multiple surgeries and unnecessary discomfort.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. It can occur due to periodontal disease, aging, abrasive brushing habits, or damaging chewing forces when teeth are misaligned. As gums recede, the tooth’s root structure becomes exposed. Exposed roots are harder to clean, requiring additional tools like a Waterpik™ device to access nooks and crannies normally covered by healthy gums. This cleaning difficulty increases the risk of gum disease, root decay, and over 200% more tooth loss!
Healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth and confident chewing and smiling throughout life. Treating gum recession is crucial for lasting dental wellness.
What are the Early Treatments for Gum Recession?
In the past, early gum recession treatment was rare due to discomfort from harvesting tissue grafts from the roof of the mouth. But now, lab-fabricated grafting tissues and modern techniques like PST and the Tunnel technique allow treating gum recession before it advances, with minimal discomfort and excellent results.
However, if you wait too long and the recession becomes too advanced, even the best techniques may require multiple surgeries. In severe cases, using your own tissue for grafting may still be advised.
Pinhole Surgical Technique Treatment for Gum Recession
During your consultation, Dr. Zeitlin will examine your condition and discuss your options. He will explain how to manage discomfort, any needed diet modifications during recovery, and the expected recovery period based on your condition. Dr. Zeitlin will also discuss preventing further gum recession, including proper gentle brushing techniques and correcting any damaging chewing forces from misaligned teeth.
Our doctor uses concentrated healing cells from your own blood (PRF/PRP) infused in the graft site, along with wholistic products like Stella Life and DentaMedica. This approach ensures a better, faster, less painful recovery, maximizing your body’s healing ability. Many patients report not needing narcotic medication after surgery and being comfortable with over-the-counter pain medications.Thanks to Pinhole, Tunnel technique, and other advanced surgical techniques available at AFC Dentistry, treating gum recession has become a far more comfortable process with a greater likelihood of successful clinical outcomes. Call our office today to schedule your consultation and see if PST is right for you.
