Aesthetic Family Dentistry in Denville, New Jersey is offering a revolutionary new treatment for gum recession.
Called the Pinhole Surgical Technique™, it is a brand new way to treat receding gums without invasive surgery and extended recovery times. As holistic dentists, this is something we can really get behind. That’s why we are so excited to offer this new treatment.
So what is gum recession, what causes it, how was it treated and what advantages does the Pinhole Surgical Technique offer?
What is gum recession?
Receding gums is something all of us will have to contend with to some degree as we get older. Our gums naturally recede a little as we age This process can be accelerated or aggravated by lifestyle choices such as smoking, piercings, oral hygiene and diet. Periodontal disease is a prime cause of gum recession.
The phrase ‘long in the tooth’ refers directly to gum recession, as older people experience receding gums that expose the length of the tooth.
Why are receding gums cause for concern?
Receding gums exposes more of the tooth and can go as far as the root. The gum protects the parts of the tooth with less protective enamel offering essential protection from bacteria and wear. Without the gum, this part of the tooth is exposed and susceptible to disease. Exposed roots can also cause sensitive teeth and further complications including tooth loss.
Receding gums don’t look the best either which can have a knock-on effect to self-confidence.
How was gum recession treated before the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
Before the Pinhole Surgical Technique became available, treatment for receding gums involved soft tissue grafts. Donor tissue was grafted above each tooth and sutured into place. Once healed, the tissue would merge with the gum to make a new gum line. The procedure is very effective but it is also very involved.
The surgery is also quite invasive. It requires quite a lot of recovery time and can be uncomfortable too. The nature of the procedure means we can only do 3 or 4 teeth at a time, meaning multiple surgeries to treat an entire mouth.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique
The Pinhole Surgical Technique changes all that. Rather than requiring tissue grafts, the procedure uses a single needle that is inserted into the gum above each tooth. We use specialized instruments designed specifically for the Pinhole Surgical Technique to complete the procedure.
We loosen the gum tissue from the inside and cause it to expand back into place. The tissue then heals as normal, recovering any recession. As we only use a single needle, recovery is fast, within an hour or two and discomfort is minimal. That’s why we like it so much!
Aesthetic Family Dentistry is very pleased to offer the Pinhole Surgical Technique to our patients. Contact us today if you would like to know more.
