Pinhole Surgical Technique FAQ
Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is an innovative and effective procedure for correcting gum recession in a manner that is far less invasive and will reduce your level of discomfort and recovery time. To learn more about Pinhole Surgical Technique, please refer to the following:
What is PST and how do I know if I need it?
PST is an innovative method of correcting recessed gums through a pinhole rather than using grafting material and/or having to make incisions. Many patients have recessed gums and are not even aware of it, as gums can recede very gradually, especially when the gum recession is due to gum disease. Scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams every six months is a good way to determine if gum recession is occurring. Otherwise, if you notice that your teeth appear longer or if you begin experiencing sensitivity when eating foods or drinking beverages that are hot or cold, this may be due to the roots of your teeth being exposed. If this is the case, PST may be a good solution to correct this issues and prevent other issues from developing.
Why should I have PST instead of gum grafting?
One of the biggest reasons people should be aware of and consider PST is because although a gum graft is an effective way to correct recessed gums, it is also a somewhat painful procedure, one that will require a more extensive recovery period. Because of this, many patients will not seek treatment to avoid having to experience this discomfort, or will try some kind of other temporary fix. Because PST is minimally invasive, there will be far less procedural discomfort and your recovery time will be much faster as well. Additionally, you may be able to have the procedure completed in just one visit. Because gum grafting typically requires cutting out a graft from the roof of your mouth then stitching this graft on, two surgical sites are created, both of which need to heal. This procedure typically takes around one or two hours and can only be used to correct one or two teeth. With PST, the procedure takes far less time and several teeth can be corrected in just one visit.
What steps are involved in the PST procedure?
The PST simply involves using a needle to make a pinhole in your gums, and through this pinhole special instruments are used to shift the collagen-abundant gum tissue down over the area of recession, and when properly position, placing collagen strips to help regenerate tissue and stabilize the gum flap. Because there is so much collagen and blood supply in this area, many times you will not even be able to tell the procedure was performed by the following day. By that time, the pinholes will already have begun to shrink away and will completely heal within 48 hours.
How long will these results last and will my gum disease be cured?
If you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams, the results should be permanent, although things like the natural aging process, trauma, or other medical conditions may cause gums to recede again. Though PST will restore your gum line to a normal state, this procedure itself does not cure gum disease. As such, it will be necessary to treat gum disease before the PST procedure is performed.
What are the biggest benefits to PST?
As stated previously, PST is far less invasive than the traditional gum graft procedure and will require less recovery time. Additional benefits of PST include:
- High success rate
- High patient satisfaction rate
- Safe
- Results are practically immediate
- Requires fewer appointments
- No scalpels or sutures necessary
- More teeth can be treated in one visit
- Fast recovery time
Since the procedure is so minimally invasive, do I need to follow aftercare instructions following PST?
Following a Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure, there will be several aftercare instructions you will need to closely follow to avoid developing complications. Although Pinhole Surgical Technique requires fewer aftercare instructions, you will still need to be careful to avoid brushing or flossing the affected area for approximately six weeks while the graft reattaches itself to your gums. It is also important that you avoid foods that are sticky or crunchy and do not use a straw during this healing period. You may experience some bruising or swelling during the first week, but this should go away after a few days and can be managed with Motrin, Advil, or Tylenol and ice therapy.