The eyes might be the windows to the soul, but your smile is one of the first things that others notice about you. If you’ve observed your gums receding over the years, you might be less confident in your grin – which may make you less inclined to greet the ones you love with a mega-watt smile. Fortunately, you don’t have to be ashamed of your receding gums – and you definitely don’t have to suffer through painful, slow-healing gum grafts to resolve the problem. Pinhole gum surgery is a fast, non-invasive way to restore healthier gums. Scroll down to find out more about how pinhole gum surgery can transform your smile.
Pinhole Gum Surgery 101
Am I a Candidate for Pinhole Surgery?
Receding gums aren’t just an aesthetic concern. They can also expose the pink tissue that covers the roots of the teeth, which leaves the teeth at risk for decay, infection, and eventual tooth loss. If you’ve noticed receding gums, you may be a candidate for pinhole surgery. You may also be a good candidate if you meet any of the following conditions:
- Steadily receding gums over the course of several years
- You are a non-smoker
- You don’t have periodontal disease
- Significant tooth sensitivity
- You have adequate gum tissue adjacent to your receding gums
How Does the Pinhole Technique Work?
If you meet the criteria listed above, you may be a candidate for pinhole gum surgery. A fairly recent dental innovation, the pinhole technique is much less invasive than traditional gum grafting, which can take hours to perform. During pinhole surgery, your dentist will use a specialized surgical needle to create “pinhole” incisions above the affected tooth or teeth. From there, your dentist will elevate your existing gum tissue to cover the exposed root of the affected area. Your dentist will then place membrane strips over each pinhole incision. This holds the tissue in place and ensures fast, painless healing.
Is Pinhole Gum Surgery Painful?
We understand that dental surgery can seem intimidating. After all, no one wants a dentist poking around in their mouth for an extended period of time. The good news is that the Pinhole Surgical Technique is minimally invasive, requiring only local anesthetics. As a matter of fact, referring to the procedure as a “surgery” may be a bit of an exaggeration. Overall, a pinhole procedure is more similar to getting a filling or a crown. You can go about your business as usual after leaving the dentist’s office. However, you will want to hold off on brushing or flossing for 24 hours following the procedure. You should also eat softer foods for at least 24 hours to give your gums a chance to heal. Finally, if you’re concerned about post-procedure pain, talk to your doctor about using a mild over-the-counter pain reliever for a few days following your appointment.
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Now that you’ve learned the basics of pinhole gum surgery, ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for this efficient, effective in-office procedure. Remember: don’t delay when it comes to receding gums, as they can lead to problems like tooth decay and even tooth loss. And if you’re concerned about pinhole gum surgery, make sure to give our office a call. We can walk you through the procedure, help assess any risks, and refer you to a local periodontist. We’ll have you smiling again in no time.
If you’re looking for a new dentist in southwest Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental today. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!