Are you experiencing a gum recession? If so, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist sooner rather than later. That is because having receding gums indicates you may be developing gum disease. Treating gum disease in its initial stages is best since the side effects are still reversible.
Gum recession causes tooth sensitivity and can lead to pain when you drink or eat something cold or hot. Periodontists have the training, advanced technology, and experience to diagnose and treat gum recession. However, many people with receding gums are curious to learn how the pinhole surgical technique differs from traditional gum grafting. The information below will help you understand the difference between these two treatments.
Gum recession is one form of gum disease. It is a condition in which your gums pull back from your teeth, exposing the root surfaces. Gum disease starts with bacteria and plaque buildup within the teeth and gums.
Over time, plaque damages the gums, causing them to pull back from the teeth. Pockets can form between the gums and teeth in severe cases, creating a breeding ground for even more bacteria and plaque.
Buildup of tartar.
Aggressive teeth brushing over the long term.
Diabetes.
Smoking.
Family history of periodontal disease.
Hormonal changes in women.
HIV.
Some medications can also cause dry mouth, increasing your risk of receding gums. Without adequate saliva in your mouth, your oral tissues will be more vulnerable to injuries and bacterial infections.
The pinhole surgical technique uses specialized instruments to make a tiny hole in the gum and add collagen material to stabilize gum recession. This method is simple, minimally invasive, and suture-free.
Periodontists use a small tool to move the receding gums back into the desired position through a tiny pinhole incision. They then insert a collagen strip to keep the relocated gums in place. Depending on the severity of your condition, additional pinhole incisions may be necessary. Fortunately, they usually close within a day.
Traditional gum grafting, also known as soft tissue grafting, was the treatment of choice for receding gums for many years. It is generally quite effective. It involves the removal of donor tissue from the palate and then grafting it onto the area of concern. Usually, both the treated gums and donor sites require sutures. Recovery from this procedure typically takes about one month.
Unlike soft tissue grafting, PST is minimally invasive, making it a less painful option. Also, traditional gum grafting involves harvesting tissue from the roof of the mouth and suturing it to the affected area. Patients often experience side effects like bleeding, swelling, and gum pain.
Furthermore, the tissue taken from the palate has a different appearance than normal gum tissue. Its texture and color do not match that of the gums. Other benefits include the following:
Accelerated recovery.
Near-instant cosmetic improvement.
Reduced side effects.
Treatment of multiple areas of gum recession in one visit.
Do you have concerns about possible gum recession? Are you worried about the side effects of traditional soft tissue grafting? If so, schedule an appointment with a periodontist to discuss the benefits and details of the pinhole surgical technique.
For more on pinhole surgery, visit Implant Dentistry Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation in Wesley Chapel, Florida, for a one-on-one consultation. You can also call us at 813-973-7770 to schedule an appointment today.
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