Do you think you have gum recession? Check to see if your gums are creeping away from your teeth. Its causes come from nighttime teeth grinding, aggressive brushing, certain medication, and even genetics. Gum recession can be a very uncomfortable problem to have. Although it is possible for gum tissue to grow back, healing usually doesn’t keep up with the cause of the damage. This could lead to an ever-receding gum line. Fortunately, modern dental procedures like the Pinhole Surgical Technique, performed by an Indianapolis periodontist, can help. Here is more information about pinhole surgery, and why gum recession is so serious.
Gum tissue is important for several reasons. Its main responsibility is creating a flexible support system to hold your teeth in place. When recession damages the structure, the teeth can become loose and fall out.
Gum tissue also seals out bacteria and food particles. It keeps pathogens from invading the deeper tissues of your mouth. Recessed gums allow bacteria to colonize deeper into the gum tissue and closer to the jaw. The extra bacteria contributes to periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease sparks an inflammatory response in the gum tissue, gum recession and gum disease work hand in hand to destroy your smile.
Gum recession exposes the dental roots are also more prone to decay since they aren’t covered with a layer of hard, protective dental enamel. This puts them at a higher risk for developing painful dental decay and infections. Also, since dental roots are yellow, gum recession gives your smile an aged, unattractive look.
Before the invention of pinhole surgery, dental surgeons covered exposed gum tissue by sewing grafts. During this surgery, they harvest dental tissue from other areas of the mouth. Flaps are then cut around the problem area. They sew the graft into place and stitch it shut, creating many wounds that the patient had to care for in the days and weeks following surgery. Additionally, this procedure was uncomfortable and bloody for patients. Sometimes, for full results, you would need more than one procedure.
To help patients recover from gum exposure without discomfort, Dr. John Chao, MAGD, developed the pinhole surgical technique in the early 2000’s. Before pinhole surgery, your periodontist numbs the mouth with a local anesthetic. Then, he makes a tiny incision about the size of a pinhole above the affected tooth or teeth. Next, the periodontist uses proprietary tools to push down the existing gum tissue to cover the root exposure. Tiny collagen strips are then placed inside of the tunnel within the gum tissue, holding it in place and encouraging healing.
If you are struggling with gum recession or gum disease, you may be a candidate for the pinhole surgical technique. Contact Dr. Edwards today to learn more!
Request an AppointmentPinhole surgery is fast, effective, and comfortable for patients. Here are a few of the powerful benefits offered by the Pinhole Surgical Technique.
Traditional gum grafting involves treating one tooth at a time. Dr. Edwards can treat upwards of 10-14 teeth at the same time during the pinhole surgical technique. The entire procedure takes about an hour! Besides speeding the procedure, you need fewer incisions, which also improves your comfort. Most patients achieve full results in one or two pinhole surgical treatments. Traditional gum surgery, however, often requires several sessions.
Pinhole surgery is a stitch-free procedure, making the recovery a lot more comfortable for patients. You don't need to tend to stitches or make follow-up appointments to have them removed. You can stay comfortable and enjoy a more beautiful smile. Additionally, the small incisions made during pinhole surgery are so small that they don’t leave patients with scarred gum tissue.
The recovery from pinhole surgery is minimal. Most patients experience only minor discomfort, bruising, and swelling. You can control any pain with a mild over-the-counter pain reliever, and complications are rare. After surgery, patients should refrain from brushing and flossing for 24 hours to give the gums the chance to heal. Also, patients should refrain from eating hard or crunchy foods for about a day.
One of the best things about pinhole surgery is the fact that it provides instant results. Immediately after the procedure, you will be able to enjoy full coverage. It makes eating, drinking, and regular dental care much more comfortable.
Because pinhole surgery is so non-invasive, most patients in the Indianapolis area are great candidates for the procedure. To be eligible, patients dedication in maintaining proper oral hygiene. They will need to visit their periodontist in Indianapolis for follow-up care. They also need to avoid gum-eroding activities like teeth grinding and aggressive brushing. Before pinhole surgery, Dr. Edwards will talk with you about your medical history, dental history, and your oral health goals.
The best way to determine whether you are a candidate for pinhole surgery is by making an appointment with Dr. Edwards for a consultation. During this consultation, the doctor can talk with you about the benefits of pinhole surgery, explain in greater detail how the procedure works, and which other restorative dental techniques could help you to achieve your dental goals. If you have signs of periodontal disease, Dr. Edwards can also talk with you about gum disease treatments that will improve the health of your smile.