Receding gums, also known as gingival recession, is a very common problem for a lot of our patients. It is often experienced by patients over the age of 65, but those of other ages can experience the problem too. If you have noticed that your gums are receding, perhaps because you have experienced sensitivity along your gum line, you might be wondering what treatments are available to you.
A common way to treat gingival recession is through gum grafting. With this technique, the worn-away gum tissue is replaced during surgery with grafted tissue from elsewhere in the mouth. It’s an effective treatment, but the procedure is invasive and it can be a lengthy process if multiple teeth are affected by gingival recession. While we can offer this treatment at our dental practice, Dr. Trujillo and his team can offer you an alternative: Pinhole gum treatment.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique
Unlike gum grafting, pinhole gum treatment is minimally invasive. The technique begins with a pinhole that is created in the receding gum tissue. A small device is placed into the hole, and this gently loosens and repositions the gum tissue so that it covers the roots of the teeth. When the gum tissue is in its desired position, Dr. Trujillo will insert collagen strips into the pinhole to keep the gums in place. These strips help to create new tissue that will secure the gums in their new location.
The Advantages Of Pinhole Gum Treatment Over Gum Grafting
Many patients prefer pinhole gum treatment over gum grafting because it is faster and not nearly as painful. Only a small number of dental professionals are trained to perform this surgery, and Dr. Trujillo is one of these. Gum grafts require cutting and sutures, but pinhole gum treatment requires only one hole in the gum tissue. The procedure takes less than an hour, and it can be performed on several teeth at once. Patients rarely report pain or discomfort following treatment with the pinhole surgery technique. They also undergo healing much sooner than is common with gum grafting.
After receding gums are treated with the pinhole technique, the results are instant and aesthetically pleasing. If you need treatment for your receding gums, pinhole gum treatment can certainly be recommended.
Pinhole Gum Treatment: Is It Right For You?
When gum recession occurs, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. Not only is this aesthetically unpleasing, but problems can affect the teeth along and beneath the gum line. Such problems include tooth decay, sensitivity, pain, and the premature loss of one or more teeth. As healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, you should consider getting your gum recession treated before the problem of your receding gums gets any worse.
If you have spotted the signs of gum recession, we recommend visiting our periodontal practice.
Signs of gum recession include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding after brushing
- Pain at the gum line
- Loose teeth
- Exposed tooth roots
- Shrinking gums
Don’t delay if you have spotted any of these signs. While they are indicative of gum recession, there could be other dental issues that need fast intervention.
During your appointment, Dr. Trujillo will inspect your mouth and will let you know if you qualify for pinhole gum treatment.
Who Qualifies for Pinhole Gum Treatment?
If you have already been diagnosed with periodontal disease (gum disease), you might not qualify. This is due to the damaging effects of periodontal disease, as you might not have an ample amount of gum tissue left to use for the pinhole technique.
Dr. Trujillo will explain more during your appointment and will let you know if pinhole treatment is viable for you. If your gums have receded for any other reason, it is likely that you will qualify. Other causes of gum recession include:
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes (in women)
- The natural process of aging
Dr. Trujillo will get to know more about you at your appointment. This will help him determine the viability of pinhole treatment for you.
If you don’t qualify for the treatment, gum grafting is your other option. Dr. Trujillo will talk to you about this alternative and the procedures involved.
Pinhole Gum Treatment: Aftercare And Recovery
As the procedure is non-invasive, you should only experience mild discomfort afterward. Some patients experience minor irritation when brushing their teeth or tenderness from a slight swelling in their mouth. These issues are only temporary, but we will give you information about what to do to aid recovery. We will ask you to avoid foods that might irritate your gums, for example, and advise gentler brushing. By following our short checklist of do’s and do nots, you will hurry along the healing process.
Recovery time after the procedure is very quick, usually around a day. However, you should still follow our guidelines for a few days for your own comfort and healing.
The pinhole surgical technique provides long-lasting results, and your gums will look perfectly natural afterward. Our patients have overwhelmingly reported being highly satisfied with their new smiles after treatment, and we are sure you will too.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions about what the pinhole surgical technique can do for your smile and your oral health, get in touch with us today. Dr. Trujillo of Arizona Periodontal Group is one of the few doctors certified to perform this revolutionary surgery, and he will answer any questions you have. If pinhole gum treatment is right for you, he will explain the procedure. He will also discuss other treatment options with you if necessary. Our patients are important to us, so let us help you. Schedule an appointment today or contact us for all of your periodontal needs.
