Pinhole Surgery for Receding Gums

Pinhole surgery is the most advanced technique that is used to restore gum health. It is slowly yet surely replacing the antiquated method of surgical soft tissue grafting, which can be more painful and take longer to heal. Moreover, the success rate for gum recovery is far better with this revolutionary technology that lets your dentist fix the issue with minimum fuss and negligible loss of blood. You can forget the discomfort and postoperative pain associated with soft tissue surgery.

Pinhole surgery technique is the perfect answer to the painful “gum tissue grafting” technique that has been in use until recently. The revolutionary pinhole surgical technique involves minimum invasion, or a minimally invasive treatment procedure that helps reverse gum recession. No painful sutures or grafting is required in this procedure, which is actually a combination of traditional periodontal procedures like coronally positioned flaps and guided bone regeneration. However, no scalpels are used, nor are periosteal elevators and sutures. It is just a pinhole made by piercing the mucosa apical, leading to the mucogingival junction, facilitating the insertion of specialized instruments through the pinhole to elevate the full-thickness flap.

• It is a minimally invasive technique that is an alternative to traditional gum surgery
• Minimal or no bleeding, no pain, swelling that is present in gum surgery
• Sets right cosmetic defects in the mouth
• No sutures or incisions need to be made
• Recovery time is reduced
• A single visit can take care of multiple issues
• Postoperative recovery is fast, and pain is minimal

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis, gum inflammation, is the forerunner of a more serious dental condition known as Periodontitis. However, the good news is that not all cases of gingivitis need necessarily lead to Periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria that are present in the plaque buildup. This often leads to inflamed gums, which can be rather painful. However, if gingivitis is ignored, it often leads to Periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gums and the bone shift from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets attract food debris and get infected with bacteria, which tend to break down the connective tissue and the bone. Periodontitis can lead to loosening of teeth and, ultimately – loss of teeth.

Types of Periodontitis

• Gingivitis, a mild form of Periodontitis resulting in red, swollen gums that bleed, can lead to severe Periodontitis.
• Aggressive Periodontitis is another form of Periodontitis that often occurs in patients who do not have any other problems clinically. Manifests as loose teeth, bone erosion, familial aggregation.
• Chronic Periodontitis, as the name suggests, is persistent inflammation in the supporting tissues of the teeth. It can lead to bone loss and pocket formation that attracts food debris and encourages the multiplication of bacteria.
• Necrotizing Periodontal Disease is an infection characterized by necrosis the gingival tissues, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, which can be caused by malnutrition and onset of diseases like HIV or due to immunosuppression.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

• Swollen gums that often appear puffy and red
• Color of gums turns red, dull red, or purplish
• Gums are tender to the touch and painful while eating
• Mild to severe bleeding in the gums
• Receding gums that tend to pull away from the teeth making them appear longer
• Spaces widening between the teeth

Why Gums Recede in Periodontitis

The gums’ recession, caused by Periodontitis, is a process where the gum that covers the lower portion of the teeth withers away or is pulled back, forming a pocket. The recession of the gums exposes more of your teeth. Gum recession in Periodontitis often starts with sensitive teeth and proceeds to a gradual loss of gums and bone. It is essential not to ignore gum recession itself and visit your dentist, who will prescribe the correct medication to control the recession. Gum recession is caused by gum diseases like gingivitis, which, when left untreated, can lead to gum recession and Periodontitis.

Treatment of Receding gums

Prevention is better than cure, and the best way to prevent gum recession is to maintain oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly is an excellent way to start, though visiting your dentist periodically (once in six months) makes more sense. If you are a smoker, try kicking the habit as nicotine contributes to gum recession in a big way. Going on a healthy and well-balanced diet is another way of maintaining perfect oral hygiene and preventing receding gums. Using mouthwash regularly, along with anti-plaque medication, is also the right step towards the treatment of receding gums. If still in doubt, contact your Carrollton Periodontist, who will prescribe the proper medication after a thorough dental examination. Champion Dental, a local dentist in Farmers Branch, can also assist with Pinhole Surgery expert.