Pinhole Surgical Technique vs
Gum Grafting for Gum Recession

Gum recession often occurs as a natural result of aging or when periodontal disease develops. Once gums begin to recede, a larger area of tooth becomes exposed. In more serious cases, the roots of the teeth may become exposed. Along with creating an undesirable cosmetic appearance, gums that have receded to this point are at an increased risk of developing infections, putting patients at risk of developing more significant issues. Two of the most common and effective methods for addressing receding gums are Marin Country Pinhole Surgical Technique, or a gum grafting. To learn more about these procedures and determine which one may be right for you, please refer to the following information.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

Prior to the development of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, the traditional method for treating gum recession was a gum graft. With the revolutionary Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, the process for treating gum recession has become significantly faster and less invasive. The process begins with a tiny hole made in the gums. Next, a special instrument is placed through the pinhole to free the gums, which are then moved to the desired position. Once this position is reached, tiny collagen strips are placed inside the holes to help stabilize the gums. The pinhole will typically heal within one or two days.

In addition to being less invasive, which results in a faster recovery time, Pinhole Surgical Technique also drastically minimizes post operative pain, swelling, and discomfort. It provides an instant improvement of the balance and aesthetic appearance of your smile, and is extremely efficient, as Pinhole Surgical Technique can treat several teeth in one session, compared to grafting, which can only be performed on a limited number of teeth during one session.

Gum Graft

Gum grafting corrects gum recession by removing a small piece of a tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth. Next, the area of recession is prepared via small incisions and lifted. Once lifted, the tissue is placed over the recession, and then the flap of tissue is sutured shut to keep the tissue in place. Gum grafting has a very high success rate, but due the procedure being more invasive, there is more recovery time involved. Patients will commonly feel sore following the procedure, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relieving medication. It will also be necessary to follow a restricted diet, sticking with softer food for about one to two weeks.

Cost of Pinhole Surgical Technique Compared to Gum Grafting

The per-tooth cost of Pinhole Surgical Technique is comparable to the cost of gum grafting, but because Pinhole Surgical Technique can address multiple teeth at a time, the overall cost can appear to be higher. It is important to be aware that this procedure is newer and requires specialized training. As such, Pinhole Surgical Technique is not available at every office and can only be performed by Board Certified Periodontists. If this procedure is not available, you may consider having a traditional gum graft performed instead. If Pinhole Surgical Technique is an offered service, the cost of having it performed will be determined by a range of factors, including the severity of your case, any additional procedures that need to be performed in conjunction with the procedure, and how much is covered by your dental insurance plan.

More on Pinhole Surgical Technique : Pinhole Surgical Technique FAQ