Receding gums can result from a variety of factors, including gum disease, a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatments, and even brushing too hard. While the traditional form of treatment for gum recession is gum grafting, Dr. Jordan Slagter now offers the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™), also known as Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™. This minimally invasive surgery is an attractive option for many patients at Austin Dental Spa because it is a quick procedure that provides instant results.
- What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
- Pinhole Surgical Technique Benefits
- Pinhole Surgical Technique Candidates
- Pinhole Surgical Technique Treatment Process
- Pinhole Surgical Technique Recovery
- Pinhole Surgical Technique Cost
What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
Invented by John Chao, DDS, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is a groundbreaking advancement in the field of dentistry and periodontal care. Unlike traditional gum grafting surgery—which replaces lost gum tissue with sections taken from the roof of the mouth—the Pinhole Surgical Technique is performed without any cutting or stitching, as it is all done through a tiny pinhole above the targeted area of recession. The specialized tool lengthens the gum tissue, draping it over the exposed root.
By avoiding excessive trauma to the mouth, patients can look forward to a beautiful smile without the typical pain that results from a graft. The Pinhole Surgical Technique often proves to be an ideal solution for patients with receding gums, as it provides optimal results with a faster, more comfortable recovery.
Dr. Slagter has undergone extensive training on the technique and is the only Central Texas dentist certified to perform this procedure. She is proud to offer patients of Austin Dental Spa this innovative new solution for gum recession.
What Are the Benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
As the Pinhole Surgical Technique continues to gain recognition, more people are experiencing beautiful smile transformations. Since the problem of receding gums is so common, the Pinhole Surgical Technique has become a highly beneficial advancement in the field of dentistry and periodontics. The technique offers numerous advantages for patients, including:
- Minimally Invasive treatment: Compared to traditional gum grafting surgery, it is considered a minimally invasive treatment. This is because there is significantly less trauma to the mouth. There is no need to remove tissue from a donor site in the mouth to harvest at the areas of recession. As a result, no grafting, incisions, or sutures are required.
- Virtually No Pain: A major advantage to the Pinhole Surgical Technique is the increased comfort level. In fact, patients typically report feeling little to no pain during and after their procedure. This is an attractive benefit compared to traditional surgery, which involves a more invasive process and, therefore, tends to produce more discomfort.
- Shorter Treatment Time: The process requires fewer steps than grafting surgery, allowing for a much shorter treatment time. Correcting a couple teeth only takes about 20 minutes, and the entire mouth typically takes no longer than an hour and a half. As a result, patients spend less time in the dental chair and can resume their daily activities sooner.
- Little to No Downtime: In the past, recovery from gum grafting surgery would take about three weeks. We are proud to offer patients an expedited recovery with the Pinhole Surgical Technique. There is typically little to no downtime associated with the innovative procedure, allowing patients to get back to their normal routine, including eating and drinking, by the evening.
Am I a Candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
Patients suffering from gum recession are typically good candidates for the pinhole procedure. Should you have gum disease, however, it is important you improve your gum health before undergoing this gum rejuvenation treatment. Depending on your current oral health, Dr. Slagter may recommend additional treatments prior to your Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation. During your consultation, she will help you understand what you can expect from the Pinhole Surgical Technique and answer any questions you may have regarding the process.
What Does the Pinhole Surgical Technique Involve?
To begin the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedure, your teeth are cleaned and the gum tissue in the area of concern is numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Slagter then uses a specialized dental needle to make a small hole above the receding area. Through this entry point, a small, angled instrument is inserted to free gum tissue from the bone underneath. The gum is then pulled to its proper place so it is draping over your exposed tooth root. To complete the procedure, collagen strips are inserted to reinforce the new gum placement and to stimulate collagen growth.
While the Pinhole Surgical Technique is typically performed on just one or two teeth, it can correct between 10 and 15 teeth at a time. The treatment takes about 20 minutes for the first couple of teeth, and the whole mouth averages about one to one and a half hours. Patients can generally look forward to instant results and a short recovery.
How Long Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique Recovery?
Unlike gum grafting, which usually takes three weeks to recover, there is little to no downtime following the pinhole process. Patients may experience some sensitivity, but they typically feel comfortable to resume normal eating by that same evening. Since the Pinhole Surgical Technique does not traumatize tissue, there is usually only minimal discomfort, and patients can benefit from their beautiful new smile as soon as the procedure has been completed.
How Much Does the Pinhole Surgical Technique Cost?
The total cost of the Pinhole Surgical Technique will depend upon the extent of your gum recession needs, such as the amount of recession you have and how many teeth need treatment. It is comparable to the cost of gum grafting surgery, but offers a more comfortable process with little to no downtime.
Contact Austin Dental Spa
If you would like more information about Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, please contact us with any questions you may have, or to set up a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. A healthy, new smile is just a short treatment away!