What is Pinhole Gum Surgery?
While there are multiple treatment options for correcting gingival recession, Pinhole Surgical Surgery in Port Huron (PST) is an increasingly popular treatment option to the traditional subepithelial connective tissue graft. The reason this procedure has grown in popularity is that it removes the need for allogenic or autogenous graft material, and instead redistributes the patients existing gingiva by making a tiny pinhole (or multiple pinholes if gum recession is widespread) in the gums using a small needle, through which specialized instruments are inserted and used to move the tissue to its optimal position. Once this is reached, a collagen membrane is placed over the root surfaces and under the gingival tissues to hold the flap in position. This effectively removes the need for dressings or sutures.
In addition to providing similar results to a gum graft in a minimally invasive manner, Pinhole Surgical Technique also reduces the recovery period. The pinhole will naturally heal within 48 hours and the membrane will reabsorb within four months. Following the procedure, it is common for patients to experience some swelling, but this is usually gone within the first week. Patients who have PST will need to avoid brushing or flossing the area PST was performed for six to twelve weeks, depending on the severity of their case.
While PST is a wonderful option for many patients, it may not be a viable treatment option for everyone. It will be necessary to schedule an initial evaluation so your periodontist can determine whether you are a viable candidate for the procedure. For patients who take certain medications, have uncontrolled diabetes, or heavy smokers may be at enough of an increased risk of complications to make this procedure unviable. It will also be necessary to address any underlying oral health issues such as periodontal disease, bruxism, or malocclusion before performing this procedure.
In deciding whether Pinhole Surgical Technique or gum grafting is the best treatment option for you, consider the following benefits you enjoy with Pinhole Surgical Technique:
- Because scalpels and stitches are not necessary, you will not have to worry about sutures becoming undone or having any sore spots, which also means your recovery process will be faster.
- Results are instant and you will immediately enjoy having a proportionate balance between your gums and teeth following the procedure
- Unlike gum grafting, which is limited in the number of teeth that can be corrected during a procedure,
- Pinhole Surgical Technique can correct several teeth in just one visit, reducing the time and cost of correcting gum recession.
- Does not require gathering or using donor tissue.
Aftercare Instructions
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 than a gum graft, 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 will likely 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. Provided you follow these, and any other instructions provided, your recovery process should be fast and free of complications.