Gums can naturally recede as you age. This can cause you to develop self-esteem issues since many people find receding gums unattractive. So this drives us to the common question, “how do you treat or overcome recession permanently”? Now, this is where the pinhole surgical technique comes through. The procedure is still relatively new to many people, so we will talk about how it works and, most importantly, how it permanently reverses gum recession.
What Is Pinhole Grafting?
The pinhole technique, otherwise known as pinhole grafting, is a painless, non-invasive way of gum grafting that permanently reverses gum recession. Many dental clinics performing surgical dentistry claim to have a dentist that can perform this type of gum grafting efficiently, but only a few have mastered it.
Why Do Gums Recede?
As we said earlier, the chances of your gums receding are higher as you get older. However, old age is not the only thing that can cause your gums to recede. Here are other common causes of receding gums:
Gum Disease
Gum disease is also known as gingivitis and is a common cause of receding gums apart from aging. The dental problem is caused by plaque and bacteria accumulation in teeth and gums and leads the patient to experience symptoms such as redness, bleeding, and swelling of the gum tissue, followed by prolonged dental pain.
In its early stages, the symptoms of gum diseases may be mild and, therefore, harder to self-diagnose. However, if you don’t seek treatment for gingivitis, your gums will soon start to recede, and you’ll eventually suffer from tooth loss. Since gum disease is hard to detect early, we recommend regular dental checkups. Unlike you, a dentist has the skills and tools to perform a thorough oral exam and find early signs of gingivitis.
What Are Some Root Causes of Gum Disease?
- Bad Oral Hygiene
Not brushing your teeth regularly makes it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up in your mouth, thus exposing you to several dental problems. Additionally, you may still end up experiencing gum recession and other dental problems if you don’t brush properly.
So ensure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your gums, leaving your tooth roots exposed. Damaged gums increase the chances of your gums receding since bacteria can find tiny spaces to enter the gums and cause damage.
- Bruxism
Constantly grinding your teeth during sleep or when stressed can cause gum inflammation. Inflamed gums can cause gingivitis when exposed to bacteria which then leads to other dental problems, from receding gums to bone and tooth loss. Although there is no cure for bruxism, you can easily manage it. Talk to your dentist for instructions on how to best maintain bruxism. They can recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage caused by continuously grinding your teeth.
- Other Causes
Diabetes, smoking, and vitamin c deficiency are other common causes of gum recession. For example, people with diabetes may experience gum recession since their bodies cannot supply enough nutrients to the gums and teeth, weakening the jawbone. In addition, those with uncontrolled blood sugar levels may have too much sugar in their saliva, which makes it easier for bacteria to thrive, leading to gum recession.
On the other hand, if you are a regular smoker, you should be aware that the chemicals from the cigarette can weaken the immune system and make it harder for wounds to heal after surgery. So it would be best to stop smoking as it’s bad for your health and can cause gums to recede.
How Does Pinhole Grafting Treat Receding Gums?
Before the pinhole technique was adopted to treat receding gums, patients had to settle for the traditional way of gum grafting. This usually involved using tissues harvested from other parts, like the roof of the mouth, to use for gum grafting. Although this method is still effective, it takes too long to complete and has a longer recovery period than pinhole grafting.
When you go for a gum graft procedure via the Pinhole Surgical Technique, your dentist will first check your mouth for any underlying dental problems that may affect treatment. If they diagnose you with gum disease, the procedure will have to be postponed to let you heal from the condition.
During the grafting operation, using the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), your dentist will make a small pinhole opening in the gums. Then with the aid of special dental instruments, they will use the opening to loosen and reposition the soft tissues above the teeth. The whole process will be fast, so it won’t take much time to complete. Recovery will also be much faster than traditional gum grafting.
Why Pinhole Surgery Is Better Than Gum Grafting?
Gum Graft Surgery has several drawbacks, which makes it less suitable than bone grafting. Below are reasons why you should opt for pinhole surgery over gum grafting:
- The pinhole technique is faster to perform since it doesn’t require the use of scalpels, and no incisions have to be made on the gums before treatment
- PST has better cosmetic results, a high success rate, and is not as invasive as gum graft surgery
- Performing a PST is simple, and patients recover from the treatment faster.
- There is a lower risk of wound infection when you get a PST
Conclusion
The pinhole surgical technique is safe, fast to perform, and provides a permanent solution to gum recession. So, if you have receding gums, visit the nearest dental office and get your dental problems treated permanently by a skilled dentist. You won’t be disappointed with our dental services.