Many dental patients in San Diego feel helpless as they watch their gums slowly recede. Gum recession is extremely common and can happen for any number of reasons including:
- Gum disease
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Genetics
Gum grafting has been the traditional answer to fixing gum recession, but highly skilled periodontists like San Diego’s Dr. Tina Beck-Mayo of Southern California Periodontics & Implantology have been turning to a new and innovative option: The Pinhole Surgical Technique.
How the Pinhole Surgical Technique Works
When patients with gum recession come to our office in San Diego to learn about The Pinhole Surgical Technique, they are usually pleased to learn it does not include the use of a scalpel or sutures like traditional gum grafting procedures. Instead, a small, thin needle makes a pinhole-sized puncture in the gums right above your teeth (or below for lower teeth).
This small hole in the gum allows Dr. Beck-Mayo to gently push the gum tissue down to cover the exposed roots. Then, collagen strips are placed under the gums to secure the gum tissue as it heals. The strips do not need to be removed; as the gum tissue heals, the collagen strips will organically integrate into the natural gum tissue.
In addition to being virtually painless, The Pinhole Surgical Technique has other major advantages, including:
- Gums are immediately restored — both aesthetically and functionally
- Multiple teeth can easily be corrected in the same appointment
- Healing is quick and usually only takes a few days
The process can be completed using local anesthesia, allowing patients to relax comfortably during the procedure.
Why the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is an effective method for addressing gum recession. After the procedure, teeth no longer appear elongated and the patient’s smile is much more appealing. While this technique can help improve a patient’s smile, it also manages the possible health effects of gum recession. When gums start to recede and the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed, decay and disease can develop, creating a variety of problems in the mouth including severe tooth sensitivity. By moving the gums back into place, Dr. Beck-Mayo is able to cover up those roots and help prevent future gum disease or infection.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is not meant to cure gum disease — it is meant to help prevent it. Patients with pre-existing gum disease need to be treated for their gum disease condition before moving forward with fixing the gum recession.
If you have noticed your gums receding and you are wondering if you may be a good candidate for The Pinhole Surgical Technique, it’s easy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beck-Mayo. Contact our San Diego office today at (858) 635-6700!
