Candidates for Pinhole Surgery
At Smile Montreal, we use the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique to treat gum recession. Unlike traditional methods, pinhole surgery does not use scalpels or sutures to restore the gumline. Instead, your dentist makes a tiny hole above the affected tooth. He then uses specialized tools to gently reposition gum tissue over the exposed tooth root. Because it is a much less invasive procedure than traditional gum surgery, patients can enjoy benefits including minimal down time and very little discomfort. If you are experiencing gum recession, and would like to undergo treatment with minimal downtime and discomfort, this treatment can benefit you. We can identify Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique candidates during a consultation at our Montreal office. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Why Treatment for Gum Recession Is Critical
Gum recession (also called gingival recession) is a serious threat to oral health, and requires prompt treatment. Most patients are not aware of their gum recession because it happens gradually. If signs do appear, you may notice that your teeth look longer or are more sensitive than usual, or you may notice a notch above your tooth. Recession begins when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or retracts, creating pockets or gaps between the teeth and gum line. These pockets make it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up near the tooth roots. Left untreated, the tissue and bone structures that support the teeth risk severe damage, and teeth may be lost.
Determining Your Candidacy
If you have receding gums that deep cleaning (also called root scaling and planing) cannot correct, you may be a candidate for pinhole surgery. Both traditional surgery and pinhole surgery can close the gaps exposing the tooth roots so the gums fit snugly again, leaving only the tooth crown showing. Traditional surgery can include pocket depth reduction and gum tissue grafting. During pocket depth reduction, the dentist reduces or eliminates pockets by first eliminating the bacteria and then suturing the gum tissue into its proper place. In more advanced cases, tissue grafting is used to remove tissue from another area of the mouth and replace receded tissue.
Pinhole surgery is a new technique that reduces discomfort and recovery time using a minimally invasive technique. The procedure uses a dental needle and small, specialized tools instead of using sutures or grafting. After providing anesthesia, the dentist makes a small access hole in the tissue above the affected tooth and inserts special instruments to help reposition the gum tissue so that it covers the exposed areas of the tooth. Procedure time, recovery time, and side effects of surgery are all greatly reduced.
Risk Factors for Gum Recession
Gum recession in a very common condition that occurs in patients with both good and poor dental hygiene. It may result from brushing too hard, and it can also result from grinding and clenching, misalignment, and oral appliances. It is often a result of genetic predisposition. Some patients simply lack enough thick, tough tissue where the teeth meet the gums. Good preventative dental care is important for detecting problems early. Your best defense against gum recession is to undergo a general dental exam every six months.
Schedule a Consultation Today
To learn more about your candidacy for pinhole surgery, or to schedule an appointment, contact our helpful staff today.