If you read our post on the Chao PinholeTM Surgical Technique (PST), in an earlier post, you will know that the new procedure offers a completely new way to treat gum recession. Yet if you’re on the fence about having receding gums treated, this post is for you.
Gum recession is caused by many things, our natural aging process for one. So if it happens naturally as we get older, why do we need to have it treated?
There are several reasons why gum recession needs addressing. One, it exposes more of the tooth to decay and everyday chewing. While the tooth above the gum line is covered in a hard layer of enamel, parts of the tooth closer to the root are not. This exposes them to damage and bacteria, the two things that can hurt the tooth most. Plus, gum recession doesn’t exactly look great.
Add to that the potential for bone damage and tooth loss thanks to the increased risk of infection and you have a compelling case to have receding gums treated by your dentist. Now that we offer the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, there really is no excuse!
Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique
Previously, the primary treatment for gum recession was a soft tissue graft. This was an involved procedure that required donor tissue be taken from other areas of the mouth and sutured into place on the gum line. It involves surgery, some level of discomfort and a recovery period measured in weeks.
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique changes all that. The pinhole in the name refers to the only intrusion into the gum during the whole procedure. Using a special needle, we manipulate the gum into its former position before the recession and the gum tissue stay in place with the help of a special collagen strip. This is repeated above each tooth, a single needle mark and internal maneuvering to get the gum back to its original position.
So rather than cutting and suturing above each tooth we can perform a much cleaner, safer procedure with a 2mm needle mark.
This has obvious benefits in terms of healing, discomfort and recovery. Rather than taking a couple of weeks to completely heal, it takes a couple of hours. We need to use less anesthetic and interfere with your body much less. Collagen used to hold the gum in place is a naturally occurring substance anyway, so that’s even less intrusion.
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique has completely changed how we treat gum recession. Now there really is no reason to not have it treated!
Aesthetic Family Dentistry are qualified and experienced to carry out the new Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
