Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

The pinhole surgical technique, or PST, is a procedure where specialized dental instruments make a tiny hole in your gum tissue, which is currently receding, so we can insert collagen material to stabilize this area of gum recession. This state-of-the-art method is quite simple, suture-free, and minimally invasive.

Receding gums, also called gingival recession, are a frequent problem, especially with older adults. Recent research has shown that 88% of people over the age of 65 have gum recession with at least one tooth. The traditional method for treating receding gums has been soft tissue grafting, but you might be reluctant to use this method because of your anxiety that grafting will be very painful. This common reluctance has spawned yet another dental innovation, which is the pinhole surgical technique, to address gum recession.

Beginning with your first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment to pursue a pinhole surgical technique evaluation.

What Are Receding Gums?

Gingival recession is when the gums wear down or begin to pull away from your teeth. The receding gums will reveal more of the teeth and can also leave the roots of the teeth exposed. This will lead to the teeth becoming overly sensitive and then continue to weaken the remaining gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. wishes for you to have strong, non-moving, firm, healthy gum tissue surrounding and protecting your teeth, but any weaker tissue caused by gum recession will form unhealthy pockets between the gums and the teeth. These pockets become ideal spots for the increased buildup of bacteria, which will quickly lead to more serious gum disease. If your gum recession is neglected, the structure of your teeth and the surrounding tissue will be permanently damaged, which will lead to tooth loss.

Are You a Possible Candidate
for the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

When considering and evaluating the pinhole surgical technique, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will decide whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment. There are specific factors that allow us to make a qualified decision about your candidacy for the pinhole surgical technique. If your receding gums are an aesthetic, visual issue, then the pinhole surgical technique will certainly be a beneficial option. If you have increased tooth sensitivity from receding gums, and it is not the result of an active periodontal disease, you will also benefit from the pinhole surgical technique. If you do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking, you are also a viable candidate for this innovative procedure. If you are interested in the pinhole surgical technique, you need to be in good overall health, which also includes your dental health. If we conduct an examination and diagnose you with periodontal disease, you may not be a candidate for this technique. If you do not have an adequate amount of gum tissue to physically use for this technique, we will not be able to perform the procedure because a certain amount of gum tissue is necessary for your successful results.

The Benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique

One of the primary reasons you could be interested in the pinhole surgical technique over a conventional treatment method is that this procedure will address several locations at one appointment. Traditional gum grafting, in comparison, requires multiple appointments with Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. if there are several teeth affected by the gum recession. The pinhole surgical technique permits you to have your entire mouth treated at one time, which saves you both time and money. Another benefit to the pinhole surgical technique is that the recovery period is quicker, and it is as painless as the traditional methods can be for treating gum recession. The primary benefits:

  • A minimally invasive procedure.
  • No scalpels, incisions, or sutures are needed.
  • You will enjoy immediate cosmetic improvements.
  • You will experience a quick recovery and healing time.
  • There is minimal discomfort, pain, or bleeding.
  • It protects the roots of your teeth.

The Actual Procedure for the Pinhole Surgical Technique

The pinhole surgical technique at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. is a minimally invasive, successful alternative to treating gum recession. Unlike soft tissue gum grafting, this procedure begins by creating a tiny pinhole in your gum tissue, which is receding. After the pinhole has been created, we then place a small device into the tiny hole. This device peels and stretches the gum into a healthier and more suitable position on your tooth, or the gums can be brought downward. After we have stretched your gum tissue into the desired position, we next insert collagen strips into the pinholes in your gums. Gum grafting needs sutures to keep the gums in their new place, while these collagen strips will keep the gums in place in a far less invasive fashion and help generate new tissue that will ultimately secure the gums in their new permanent location.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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