The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive alternative to treating gingival recession. Unlike soft-tissue grafting, this technique begins by creating a pinhole in the gum tissue that is receding. Once the pinhole has been created, a device is placed into the hole. This device peels and stretches the gum into a healthier and more suitable position on the tooth. Once the gum tissue is in the desired position, a dentist inserts collagen strips into the pinhole in the gums. While soft-tissue grafting uses stitches to keep the gums in place, these strips keep the gums in place in a much more minimally invasive way and help to create new tissue that will ultimately secure the gums in their new location.
One of the big reasons many people are starting to opt for the Pinhole Surgical Technique over more traditional treatment methods is because this technique can address multiple locations in one sitting. Grafting, on the other hand, requires multiple sessions if multiple teeth are affected by gingival recession. The Pinhole Surgical Technique allows a patient to have their full mouth treated at once which saves them time and money in the long run. Another advantage to the Pinhole Surgical Technique is that the healing process is not as long, nor is it as painful, as the more traditional methods for treating this dental issue.
When considering the Pinhole Surgical Technique, it is important to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your dentist or periodontist will have the final say, but there are certain factors that usually make or break a person’s candidacy for the Pinhole Surgical Technique. If your receding gums are more of an aesthetic issue than they are a dental health issue, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is a viable and worthwhile option. If there is tooth sensitivity present due to receding gums, but the cause is not due to an active bout of periodontal disease, a person can opt for this modern treatment option. If you do not smoke or vow to quit smoking, you are also a great candidate for this procedure. It should be noted that if you are interested in the Pinhole Surgical Technique, you must be in good health; this applies to your dental health as well. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will likely not be a candidate for this technique. If you do not have an ample amount of gum tissue to use for the technique, your dentist will not be able to perform the procedure as a certain amount of gum tissue is required for the technique to be successful.