Pinhole Surgery Technique
At Mulberry Dental, we see many patients experiencing gum recession. With a minimally invasive treatment known as the pinhole surgery technique, we can restore the gum line and enhance your smile without the need for gum recession surgery.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is the term given to the loss of gum tissue along the gum line. It occurs when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and can be caused by gum disease, the natural process of ageing or abrasive habits during tooth brushing.
Advantages of the Pinhole Surgical Technique
There are numerous benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique for treating gum tissue. These include:
- Minimal discomfort during and after treatment
- Recovery time is faster than traditional gum grafting
- We don’t use invasive surgical tools or scalpels
- There’s no need for stitches
- No soft tissue grafts are required
- The results look natural and are long-lasting
Why is gum recession a problem?
When gum recession takes place, the tooth’s root structure is exposed, making the teeth appear longer. As well as the aesthetic implications, gum recession can also affect the teeth along and beneath the gum line, causing issues such as dental decay and sensitivity. As the exposed root is not resistant to wear, significant grooves may start to appear. These problems can potentially cause premature tooth loss.
Healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, which is why the team at Mulberry Dental find it incredibly important to treat gum recession for lasting dental wellness.
What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive gum recession treatment that does not involve incisions or stitches.
Traditional treatments for gum recession require soft tissue grafts to rebuild the gum line. This soft tissue would be stitched into place to join with the existing tissue as it healed. Whilst this traditional technique is effective, the pinhole surgical technique creates a better patient experience as it is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve any incisions.
About the Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure
During the pinhole surgical technique, we use a very fine needle to make a small hole in the existing gum tissue. We then use special instruments to gently loosen the gum tissue through the pinhole. The tools we use help to expand the gum line to cover the exposed root structure.
Please note that the pinhole surgery technique cannot cure periodontal disease and is not suitable for patients who smoke.
Learn more about how Dr Riten Patel uses the pinhole surgical technique