Pinhole Surgical Technique™: Minimally Invasive, Suture-Less Gum Recession Treatment
In the past, receding and otherwise damaged gums were generally treated with invasive, time-consuming, and often painful surgical procedures. Today, periodontists who stay on top of the latest advancements in the field – such as Dr. Tyler Hendry – can treat gum recession and the effects of disease precisely, gently, and efficiently with treatments like the minimally invasive Pinhole Surgical TechniqueTM (PSTTM).
What is PST™?
Available in Southern California at the office of Glendale Periodontics, this innovative method of treating receding gums utilizes special instruments designed to reposition gum tissue to cover exposed roots, eliminating the need for scalpels or stitches. Only small pinholes are required to perform the procedure. The repositioned gums are then stabilized in place with collagen. Patients who undergo this treatment generally experience minimal pain, bleeding, and recovery and downtime when compared to traditional surgical procedures. The treatment itself is also very efficient – your whole mouth can be treated in just one appointment.
Is PST™ right for me?
It may be! An overly “toothy” smile, painful sensitivity at the gumline, and changes in how your teeth are spaced can be indicative of gum recession. PSTTM gently addresses the effects of this process, which is characterized by tissue loss at the gumline. Your gums may wear away due to progressive gum disease or habits and behaviors, such as aggressive brushing. Gum recession is also associated with the aging process (think of the phrase “long in the tooth,” which is often used to describe older people and pets).
When the gums recede or pull away from the teeth, it exposes more of the tooth structure. This can cause your smile to look imbalanced, as if the teeth overwhelm the gums. If allowed to progress unabated, receding gums may expose the roots of your teeth. Root exposure is a risk factor for tooth decay and other damaging conditions. Your gums protect and provide sound support to your teeth. Therefore, effective treatments like PSTTM are crucial for restoring a healthy, balanced, and attractive smile.
How does PST™ compare to traditional gum disease treatment?
Conventional gum grafting techniques have traditionally involved the use of scalpels and stitches. Additionally, these techniques use soft tissue/donor grafts to rebuild the gumline. Each graft is sutured into place and eventually heals with the surrounding natural tissues. While these longstanding treatments are highly effective, the instruments and techniques that form the basis for PSTTM achieve comparable success rates while supporting a significantly better treatment experience.
What can I expect during treatment?
Dr. Hendry starts by creating tiny, pin-sized holes in the area at the gumline that needs to be “built up.” Through these pinholes, he accesses and loosens the tissue. Then, this tissue is repositioned over the exposed roots. So, existing tissue is simply repositioned, eliminating the need for incisions, grafts, and stitches. Furthermore, collagen is applied as a natural structural support to stabilize the repositioned tissue while also encouraging powerful wound healing, tissue growth, and repair.
What are the benefits of PST™?
Our patients appreciate the Pinhole Surgical TechniqueTM for myriad reasons, including:
- It’s tolerated very well by most patients. PSTTM is generally more comfortable at every step in the treatment process compared to invasive, conventional surgical treatments.
- PSTTM supports a fast recovery. Minimally invasive techniques generally promote predictable, efficient, and healthy healing than traditional grafting and cutting techniques.
- Treatment is appropriate for patients with dental fear. PSTTM eliminates many of the common sources of dental apprehension and anxiety that keep patients away from dentists’ offices and the care that they need to be well. No scalpels, scary surgical instruments, or tissue grafted from the roof of the patient’s mouth are required to reclaim a healthy, balanced gumline.
Moreover, PSTTM supports exceptional, natural-looking, and sustained results. Ask us about this fear-free, no-hassle, and efficient method to get your smile back when you call – (818) 240-4555. Glendale Periodontics is proud to offer a range of advanced techniques, performed by a board-certified specialist, to our neighbors from across the greater Burbank, Pasadena, Toluca Lake, and Simi Valley areas of California.
