Receding gums can be the result of periodontal disease, teeth clenching, grinding, overly aggressive brushing habits, or the natural aging process. Genetics, hormones, and tobacco use can also cause your gums to become more sensitive and vulnerable to recession. Most patients with receding gums do not realize that it is occurring because it happens gradually.
You might notice some sensitivity or the appearance of longer teeth. Gum recession can even cause pockets to form between the teeth and gum line, allowing harmful bacteria and tartar to build up, leading to advanced periodontal disease, tissue and bone deterioration, and eventual tooth loss.
To help treat gum recession, Dr. Sara uses the Pinhole procedure. Let’s take a look at what this procedure is and the benefits.
Who is a candidate for Pinhole?
If you suffer from periodontal disease and gum recession and want to restore your gum line and protect the roots of your teeth, this might be a good option for you. Skip the often painful and lengthy traditional gum grafting procedure and choose the Pinhole technique.
The Pinhole procedure is the first minimally invasive procedure to treat gum recession effectively. Dr. Sara will not use a scalpel or sutures. Instead, she will use healthy gum tissue already present at the treatment site, which is repositioned using instruments inserted through a very small opening in the gums. The procedure is virtually pain-free and requires minimal recovery.
What are the benefits? As we mentioned before, this is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no incisions and no suturing. It is a quick and effective treatment for gum recession that is virtually pain-free. What is also great is that it requires only a very short recovery time. You can resume normal activities the same day as your procedure. Isn’t that great? We think so too!
What is the recovery and aftercare? Six weeks following your procedure, brushing your teeth might irritate the gums. Instead, Dr. Sara might recommend using a prescription mouthwash. Make sure you eat only soft foods for a short period after the surgery and if you feel any discomfort, over-the-counter medication can help. You will have a series of follow-up appointments to ensure that everything is healing properly and that you do not require any additional treatment.
Contact Dr. Sara at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry to learn more about the Pinhole procedure and how it can help treat gum recession.
