When the soft tissues in the mouth aren’t healthy, overall oral health is guaranteed to suffer as well. Problems like receding gums can also diminish smile aesthetics and pave the way to unnecessary tooth decay. Fortunately, there’s currently a safe, easy and virtually discomfort-free solution to gum recession. Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS is proud to offer the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) to all her clients who suffer from receding gums.
What Causes Receding Gums and How Can PST Help?
The gums need a smooth, clean surface to adhere to. Whenever the tooth surface has lots of trapped plaque and other debris, the gums will begin moving backwards. They may become red, inflamed and sore to the touch as well. Infected, receding gums are just a few of the many signs of gum disease. Receding gums, however, can also be caused by aggressive brushing, dramatic hormonal changes and various medications. Even certain forms of orthodontic treatment and traditional gum surgery can lead to gum recession, particularly when healthy tissue must be extracted as a means for eliminating infection. In these instances, traditional gum grafting is often recommended for protecting overall tooth health by covering the tooth root.
When compared to gum grafting, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is much less invasive. With this treatment, there’s absolutely no cutting, swelling, bleeding or discomfort. Best of all, patients can see an immediate lessening of gum recession. The Pinhole Surgical Technique offers faster healing and recovery time, and it’s capable of treating numerous teeth at once.
Important Reasons for Having Gum Recession Resolved
Whenever the soft tissues begin to draw back, the soft dentin of the tooth structure becomes exposed. Dentin lacks the protective coating of enamel that protects the lower portion of the teeth. As such, it’s much more easily affected by acidic foods and beverages, bacterial activity and normal wear and tear. Because of this, exposure can result in cavities, serious infection and even tooth loss. Correcting gum recession is an important step in keeping the natural tooth structures protected and ensuring their longevity.
How the Pinhole Surgical Technique Is Performed
During a traditional gum grafting procedure, soft tissue grafts or donor tissues are sourced to surgically rebuild the patient’s gum line. The tissue or grafts are then carefully sutured into the natural gum tissues. Despite being incredibly effective, this manner of dealing with gum recession can be lengthy, uncomfortable and very involved. Conversely, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is minimally invasive and guaranteed to provide a far more pleasant patient experience overall.
During this procedure, a small hole is made in the natural gum tissues with a very tiny needle. Special instruments are then inserted into this hole and used to loosen the gum structure. As the gum tissues gradually expand, the entire gum line is gently moved down. This allows it to cover the entirety of the exposed tooth root.
Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique Right for You?
If your gums are receding, you may want to consider this amazing alternative to traditional gum grafting. Ahead of expanding the gums, however, our dentist may first want to resolve any infections or other underlying issues to ensure lasting results. You can schedule a consultation at the office of Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS today to learn more about the benefits of using the Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession. Contact our office in Asheville to schedule your first appointment!
