Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation: Why You Want this Procedure

We provide patients with Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation, a modern way to treat gum disease. If you are suffering from gum disease or gum recession, you should visit our dental office right away so we can examine and treat you. The health of your gums is critical to the overall health of your mouth, so once they become diseased, you are likely to suffer additional infections, more tooth decay, and discomfort in general. If left untreated, gum recession can also lead to infected roots, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. In general, this is problematic, but few realize how significantly gum disease can impact their teeth. Studies have found that the majority of those suffering from adult tooth loss also suffered from gum disease, so the two are very much connected.

Start With a Deep Cleaning

If you have gum disease, you need to begin your treatment course by removing what is causing the disease in the first place: plaque and tartar. When it becomes trapped under your gums, plaque will irritate them to the point of causing your gums to bleed, become swollen and inflamed, and even recede. Removing the plaque with a deep cleaning will allow your gums to begin to heal. Traditional dentist offices do this using metal dental tools. We, however, find this to be uncomfortable and invasive, so we use laser dentistry instead. This is a far more comfortable and convenient way to eliminate the built-up plaque.

Restore Your Gum Tissue Using Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation

Once clean, it will be time to restore your gum tissue. If it has already begun to recede or pockets have been created in the gum tissue, you may need to take drastic measures. Typically, this is done by suturing tissue from the roof of your mouth or a separate tissue donor to your existing gums. Once the gums are augmented, they can be secured back around the tooth or teeth so they are protected once more. This process is important for protecting your roots and the base of the tooth, but it is uncomfortable, even painful. During the procedure, you will be given anesthesia, but you will be incredibly sore afterward and for several days.

We leverage technology to provide you with a better way to restore your gums. Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation is the best way to do so because we do not need to do any cutting or suturing. This is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that allows you to receive the results you need without pain or discomfort — a true win/win. The procedure works by making small pinhole size holes in the gum tissue and then inserting a special tool that is so small and tiny, you will barely feel anything. We can then stimulate the gums and nudge them back in the right position. The gum tissue responds incredibly well to the procedure and will start to protect your teeth and roots like it should. The results are dramatic when you consider that your gums can be restored without the use of surgery. To learn more about the process, call our office and schedule a consultation.

Preventing Further Gum Recession

Gum recession also referred to as gingival recession, is an aesthetically unpleasing condition in which the gum lines begin to recede and pull away from the teeth, resulting in root exposure and an elongated tooth surface. It is an embarrassing condition for most patients who feel it affects their overall appearance negatively, and it can also cause discomfort and sensitivity. In some cases, untreated gum recession can lead to dental caries in the root area if it is not already present. Receding gums can also eventually cause tooth loss. If you currently have receding gums that are not infected or currently inflamed due to gum disease, you may be able to prevent further recession with gentle care and a few tips.

First, you should know what the exact causes of gum recession are. Some causes are preventable while others, sadly, are not. One that cannot be avoided is age. Over 85% of adults over 65 years of age presently have gum recession, while only about 50% of adults between the ages of 18 and 65 are currently affected. Gingival tissue weakens with age so you should brush more gently and continue to seek out regular dental care as you age. Another unavoidable cause of gingival recession is the inherited disposition for it. Outside of these cases, gum recession usually develops due to poor or overzealous dental care. Failing to brush and floss regularly can result in gum disease and recession while brushing too hard can also cause your gums to recede.

If you currently have malpositioned teeth and gum recession as a side effect, it is never too late to receive orthodontic treatment that could be beneficial to your dental health. Having your teeth straightened will take extra stress off of delicate soft tissues and allow you to clean your teeth and gums better without harming them. If your teeth are generally straight, these other tips may help you avoid further gum recession:

Proper brushing and flossing habits including cleaning with a gentle yet firm circular motion and flossing twice daily without pushing the floss too roughly against your gums.

Get fitted for a night guard that may decrease pressure and abrasion on your gums while you sleep. Many people grind their teeth and clench their jaws while they sleep which results in excessive wear on the gum tissues.

Avoid biting your nails or chewing on pens and pencils. This can be abrasive to your gums, causing recession, and it introduces germs into your mouth that could lead to infection.

Invest in a soft bristle toothbrush.

Consider treatments that will help replace missing gum tissue like gum grafts. Added gum tissue may help protect your tooth roots, decreasing the chance for infection and discomfort, and it could improve your overall appearance.

In addition to these simple tips, don’t forget to keep up with regular visits to your dentist. The better we get to know your individual situation, the more confidently we can recommend helpful strategies to reduce the progression of gum recession.