The Pinhole Surgical Technique vs. Gum Grafting For Receding Gums

Symptoms of Gum Recession

As a consequence of poorly managed oral health, gum recession is just one of many forms of periodontal disease. When a patient suffers from gum recession, they will notice their gums pulling back and exposing the root of one or many teeth within the receding area. From smoking and tartar build-up to diabetes or a family history of gum disease, many factors can cause gum recession, including:

Brushing too aggressively
Poorly made fillings
Tobacco use and smoking
Genetics
Hormonal changes in women

Patients who suffer from receding gums may have the following symptoms:

Pain along gum lines
Swollen and red gums
Exposed roots of the teeth
Loose teeth
Noticeably shrinking gums

If you think you suffer from gum recession, it’s important to consult with a qualified periodontist. Before considering your options, it’s crucial to take action and be informed of what’s available to you and what periodontal professionals recommend as a treatment plan based on your condition and health.

Gum recession is one form of several periodontal diseases, which means there are effective treatment options available to restore your smile and oral health. Many specialists offer pinhole surgical technique, a form of minimally invasive receding gum surgery that is known for making cosmetic improvements in patients almost instantly, without the painful post-operative stitches and cuts.

As an alternative to pinhole gum surgery, periodontists also offer minimally invasive gum grafting, where a piece of your gums is transferred from one area of your mouth to another, improving the area where the gum is receding.

Pinhole Surgical Techniques

Pinhole Surgical Technique is a procedure that creates small pinholes in the affected area of the gum tissue using small needles. Once these holes are created, a periodontist will insert a device to spread the gums into a position that’s healthy and suitable and covers the exposed roots of the teeth in the affected area. As a much less invasive form than the traditional receding gum surgery, pinhole gum rejuvenation doesn’t use scalpels and sutures during the process, which in turn causes less bleeding. This means there are low-risk complications for patients who undergo pinhole gum surgery and less recovery time. In fact, patients have reported seeing immediate results once the operation is completed.

Pinhole gum surgery varies in cost, which is determined by many factors. This includes the severity of your case, the percentage of procedure your dental insurance covers, and what other procedures will be involved at the time of the surgery. Though the cost is unknown until the initial visit, patients will have the opportunity to work 1-on-1 with our concierge treatment plan coordinators. They will help you with any and all questions you may have regarding pricing, finances, and the procedure.

One benefit patients enjoy the most from the Pinhole Surgical Technique is the recovery time. Unlike gum grafting, patients can restore their smiles without the two to three-week recovery associated with the procedure. This is because the operation requires no cutting and stitches to close the cuts afterward. Overall, the procedure typically takes about 90 minutes, then patients can proceed with life as normal.

If you suffer from receding gums, you may qualify for pinhole surgery. However, the best way to determine this is to make an appointment with a periodontist to find out more about your options.

Minimally Invasive Gum Grafting

Unlike pinhole gum surgery, this procedure requires cutting of the gums. If you suffer from severely receding gums, minimally invasive gum grafting may be a solution for you. This type of receding gum surgery has a proven history of enhancing the appearance of patients’ smiles and eliminating pain associated with gum recession. An experienced periodontist will help you decide if receding gum surgery is right for you.

Gum grafting is typically focused on a small area of affected gum tissue and protects up to a few teeth in one operation. There are three different types of gum grafts:

Pedicle Gum Graft: Gum tissue is removed from the area surrounding the affected tooth, leaving only one edge. The pedicle, also known as the flap, is then pulled down and covers the exposed root of the tooth and sewn into place. This type of grafting is only available to patients who have plenty of gum tissue left.
Connective Gum Graft: When a specialist performs this procedure, they will remove tissue from one area of the mouth and place it on another, covering and protecting exposed tooth roots. Within a couple of weeks, the relocated tissue will connect with the existing tissue to facilitate healing.
Free Gingival Grafts: During this procedure, the gum tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and placed over the affected area. This operation is recommended for those who have thin gums and need additional tissue.

The recovery time for those who undergo this type of receding gum tissue can last anywhere seven to fourteen days after surgery. Patients are advised not to brush or floss the area until it’s healed and will be given a mouthwash that controls plaque buildup. The following foods are recommended during recovery:

Yogurt
Soft Vegetables
Ice Cream
Cottage Cheese
Gelatin
Eggs

While post-operative infections are common, some complications may arise. It’s important to schedule a follow-up appointment with your periodontist after surgery to monitor healing. In some cases, reshaping the tissue may be necessary to improve the appearance of the grafted area.

You may be a candidate for gum grafting if your gums are in good health, otherwise, the procedure may not be viable later. To be certain you qualify for this procedure, meet with a periodontist for professional guidance.

Take Action, Today!

Improve your oral health with help from a periodontal specialist who will help you make the right decision and provide you with the guidance you need. Receding gums can be frustrating and painful for anyone, but treatment options to improve the pain and appearance caused by this condition are just a phone call away. Call (877)316-4330, today!