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Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique
San Antonio & Pleasanton, TX
Pinhole Technique in San Antonio provided by Drs. Hosseini & Brummerhop at Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists
 Gum recession is a condition that is often just one of the results of advanced gum disease. Bacteria attack your gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed. As the tissue pulls away from your teeth, it allows the bacteria to fall underneath and attack from the inside. The gum tissue that has pulled away dies. As it does, more of the surface area of your teeth becomes exposed, causing your teeth to appear longer.
In some severe cases, the roots of your teeth can become exposed, leaving them vulnerable to sensitivity and infection. At Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, one of the options we provide for gum restorations is the pinhole technique.
What Is the Pinhole Technique?
The pinhole technique is an alternative procedure to the traditional gum graft. Before the procedure can happen, we must first thoroughly clean your teeth. After that, we administer a local anesthetic and make a tiny hole (only about 0.1 inches) as an access point near where the recession has occurred. We use specially designed tools to realign the gum tissues to their proper location. Then, strips of collagen are passed through the hole to stabilize the tissue and hold it in its proper place.
Benefits of the Pinhole Technique
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No incisions. No tissue needs to be removed from your mouth.
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No sutures. No tissue is sewn to your existing gum tissue, nor does a donor site need to be closed.
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No wait. The procedure is quick and virtually painless, and results are almost instant. |
Minimal Recovery Time With Pinhole Surgery
The pinhole technique is much less invasive than a traditional gum graft, with no real incisions and no tissue removal, so recovery time is minimal. While the entry point may heal within a day, you may still experience some pain and swelling following this procedure. However, it will not be as much as if you were to have a traditional gum graft. Pain can be managed with over the counter pain relievers, and swelling can be minimized with ice. You can usually get back to your life as normal within a day.
To learn more, give us Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists a call at (210) 614-4700 today.
FAQs
What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive treatment used to address gum recession. Instead of using traditional gum grafting methods, our dentists make a small opening in the gum tissue and gently reposition it to help cover exposed tooth roots.
Who may be a candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
You may be a candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique if you have gum recession, exposed tooth roots, tooth sensitivity, or cosmetic concerns related to an uneven gumline. Our dental team at Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists can evaluate your gums, bone support, and overall oral health to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
How is the Pinhole Surgical Technique different from gum grafting?
Traditional gum grafting often involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth and placing it over areas of recession. The Pinhole Surgical Technique uses a small access point to loosen and reposition existing gum tissue, which may reduce the need for donor tissue and sutures in many cases.
What should I expect after the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
After the Pinhole Surgical Technique, you may experience some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity as the gums heal. Our dental team will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to clean the area, what foods to avoid, and when to return for follow-up visits.
Why is treating gum recession important?
Treating gum recession can help protect exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, improve the appearance of the gumline, and support long-term oral health. If recession is left untreated, the exposed roots may be more vulnerable to decay, wear, and additional gum problems. |
