Pinhole® Surgical Technique™ - Florence & Louisville, KY
The Scalpel- and Suture-Free Way to Stop Gum Recession
Schedule NowRestoring Healthy Gums Gently
In addition to teeth that look longer, possible signs of gum recession include red or swollen gums, sensitivity to cold and heat, bad breath, mouth sores, and/or pain or bleeding when brushing and flossing. Gum recession happens gradually, as gums pull back from your teeth and expose more of the tooth surface. At Embrace Dental Care, we offer the revolutionary Pinhole® Surgical Technique™ in Florence, KY and Louisville, KY, a far more pleasant alternative to gum grafting. Invented and patented by Dr. John Chao, this groundbreaking technique treats gum recession without the need for incisions, gum grafts or sutures. Don’t allow gum recession to get in the way of living a healthy, confident life when you can restore your smile comfortably!
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession is a symptom of gum disease, but can also be caused by insufficient or overly aggressive tooth brushing, poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes (e.g. during pregnancy and menopause), specific medications that impact gum health, tooth grinding (bruxism) and traditional orthodontic braces. Moreover, experts believe 30% of people are more prone to gum disease and receding gums simply based on their genetics.
- Gum Disease
- Gum Recession
The Consequences of Untreated Gum Recession
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, which can lead to rapid decay and the need for a root canal procedure. If left untreated, gum recession can cause periodontal pockets to form between your teeth and gum line, which encourages bacteria growth. Untreated gum disease damages the supporting tissue and bone structures of your teeth, and may ultimately result in tooth loss. In addition, the cosmetic appearance of a receded gum line can lead to feeling self-conscious about smiling, as well as self-esteem issues.
Who is a Candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
Many people with gum recession are candidates for this surgery. Ideally, gums should be healthy and teeth should be free of decay and failing restorations. Adequate attached gum tissue of at least 2-3mm is required. Smoking, diabetes or an autoimmune disorder can prevent or delay proper healing, therefore individuals with these issues may not be candidates. If you meet the following criteria, you may be a candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique in Louisville, KY and Florence, KY.
- Sensitivity to cold that hasn’t responded to desensitizing agents or fluoride
- Recession that visually impacts your self-confidence
- Well-managed gum disease
- Overly aggressive tooth brushing that has been corrected
Efficient and Gentle Pinhole Gum Surgery
The Pinhole Surgical Technique in Florence, KY and Louisville, KY involves gently adjusting and manipulating receded gum tissue to sit back over your tooth roots. The procedure requires a specialized instrument invented by Dr. Chao that we use to create a small pinhole above each tooth. Through this access, the same instrument is used to loosen and reposition gum tissue into a more optimal location over each tooth. Collagen strips are inserted and positioned to help stabilize the treated gum tissue and enhance healing. With this approach, our team can efficiently treat multiple areas of gum recession during just one appointment! Studies show more than 95% of patients that underwent this procedure are satisfied with the cosmetic improvement to their smiles.
Pinhole Gum Surgery Recovery
Because incisions and sutures aren’t required, a majority of patients experience minimal postoperative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Over-the-counter pain relief, ice and rest are typically all that is required to ease them. Per Dr. Chao’s guidelines, we advise patients not to brush at all in the treated area for six weeks after treatment. You’ll return for a follow-up appointment the week after the procedure, about three weeks later, and then as needed.
Benefits of Pinhole Gum Surgery
- No scalpel, incisions or sutures
- Multiple areas treated at once
- Shorter appointments
- Little to no downtime
- No secondary surgical site
- Minimal bleeding or swelling
- Immediate and lasting results
Get a life-changing boost to your smile’s health and esthetics!
Schedule a consultation today for gentler gum recession surgery.
