Now a minimally invasive procedure to correct a receding gum line
Gum recession occurs for a variety of reasons. While periodontal disease can lead to significant tissue loss, it’s far from the only cause of recession – and the others are much more common. Many patients actually see their gum lines retreating due to overzealous brushing and long-term clenching and grinding. With a large number of patients who experience these problems, it’s important to find solutions other than traditional gum grafting. Surely there’s a simpler way to rebuild gum tissues?
You’ve even heard dentists and hygienists share the same notion that “gum grafting” is a terribly painful procedure; in fact, so much so that it should only be done when the patient becomes symptomatic or is at immediate risk of tooth loss. Unfortunately, by this time the defect may have become so severe that it requires multiple procedures with less-than-ideal results, more pain, and greater expense than if they had corrected the problem when it was first recognized-that is, if the tooth can be salvaged at all. Wouldn’t you agree that the best time to intervene with most dental problems is when they are initially recognized?
The Pinhole Surgical Technique
Enter the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), a minimally invasive treatment option to reverse gingival recession without grafting or sutures. What is PST (also referred to as the Lunchtime Gum Lift or Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation)? It is a novel procedure that combines techniques from traditional periodontal surgical procedures, to reverse gingival recession.
- A pinhole is made in the tissue above the area of recession. This is made with a needle – no scalpel, no cutting
- Special instruments gently loosen the tissue above the tooth
- The tissue is shifted down by means of the pinhole access
- Collagen strips are applied to hold the tissue in place over the previously exposed tooth
- There is very little trauma to the tissue and no open wound or incision
- The pinhole shrinks away by the next day
- There’s a significant amount of collagen and blood supply in the area, so healing is quick and comfortable
The long-term success of Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
Many patients in need of gum rejuvenation spend years putting up with discomfort and poor aesthetics instead of pursuing treatment. This is because they’re anxious or hesitant about the traditional gum grafting procedure. Some attempt a temporary solution by placing a filling on the exposed tooth root, but this doesn’t change the overall gum line. By choosing Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, these very patients can receive long-term results that transform their smiles.
This procedure has been performed since 2006, and a peer-reviewed study has been published in the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (in 2012). Research and patient experiences have documented the stability of results for 10+ years and counting.
