Pinhole Surgical Technique services offered in San Luis Obispo, CA
If you have receding gums, the pinhole surgical technique provides a safe and minimally invasive treatment option. It’s an alternative to traditional gum grafting that doesn’t require incisions or sutures. Lynn Sayre-Castairs, DMD, regularly uses the pinhole surgical technique to transform smiles and encourage optimal oral health. To schedule an appointment for pinhole surgical treatment, call the Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery office in San Luis Obispo, California, or book online today.
Pinhole Surgical Technique Q & A
What is the pinhole surgical technique?
The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive treatment for receding gums. Traditionally, the only way to repair damaged gum tissue was through the use of a soft tissue graft. Though incredibly effective, gum grafts require surgical intervention and present the risk of infection.
The pinhole surgical technique is different because it’s less invasive but provides the same stunning results. In addition, it’s possible to treat your entire mouth during a single visit, instead of just one or two teeth at a time.
What does the pinhole surgical technique involve?
Dr. Sayre-Castairs performs the pinhole surgical technique on an outpatient basis.
At the start of your visit, she numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and cleans and polishes your teeth. Next, she uses a tiny needle to make a hole in your gums near areas of receding tissue.
Dr. Sayre-Castairs inserts small specialized tools into the hole and carefully loosens and repositions your gum line so it covers your exposed tooth roots. Afterward, she fills the hole with collagen, providing additional stability.
What are the advantages of the pinhole surgical technique?
The pinhole surgical technique offers a variety of advantages compared to traditional gum grafts, including:
- Less pain and swelling
- Shorter recovery times
- No need for surgical tools, like scalpels
- No stitches
- Improved oral health
How long does the pinhole surgical technique take?
The length of time that the pinhole surgical technique takes depends on various factors, including the severity of your gum disease and the number of teeth treated. If only a few of your teeth have receding gums, the procedure may take as little as 20 minutes. To treat your entire mouth, it typically takes about 90 minutes.
What is recovery like after the pinhole surgical technique?
After the pinhole surgical technique, you can eat snacks and meals within a few hours. Once the anesthesia wears off, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling and increased tooth sensitivity, but these issues should subside within a day or two. If your symptoms worsen, contact Dr. Sayre-Castairs right away.
To explore the benefits of pinhole surgery, call the Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery office in San Luis Obispo, California, or book online today.