Unlike soft-tissue grafting, the Pinhole Surgical Technique begins by creating a pinhole in the gum tissue that is receding. Once the pinhole has been created, a device is placed into the hole. This device peels and stretches the gum into a healthier and more suitable position on the tooth (the gums are brought downward). Once the gum tissue is in the desired position, Dr. Henriod or Hendry will insert collagen strips into the pinhole in the gums. While soft-tissue grafting uses stitches to keep the gums in place, these strips keep the gums in place in a much more minimally invasive way and help to create new tissue that will ultimately secure the gums in their new location.
The affected teeth are cleaned and prepared and the gum tissue is numbed with a local anesthetic. A small entry point (0.1 inch) is made in the gum above the tooth or teeth to be treated.
Drs. Hendry and Henriod use a specialized dental instrument designed and patented by PST inventor Dr. Chao to free the gum tissue at the entry point and gently move the gums down to their proper position. Next, they use a small angled instrument to pass several collagen strips or gum graft material through the entry point and place them under the gums. Small sutures may be used to stabilize the gum position.
To make an appointment, call 626.389.9726 or click here to request an appointment online.
Nothing ages a smile and face more than receding gums. Gum recession can also weaken teeth, causing sensitivity, root damage or even tooth loss.
With the new Pinhole Surgery Technique (PST), receding gums can be repaired without the use of traditional surgery that includes flapping open the gum.
Dr. Hendry and Dr. Henriod are currently among only a handful of doctors in the United States offering this breakthrough treatment. With over 10 years of treating patients with the PST gum recession procedure, hundreds of individuals have regained their oral health and found a healthy smile again.
To make an appointment, call 626.406.2513 or click here to request an appointment online.
Gingival recession is, essentially, the technical term for when gum tissue deteriorates and exposes more of the tooth. Problems arise because the more that the gums recede, the higher the likelihood is that the tooth’s root will be exposed. This creates pain, sensitivity, and over time can result in the loss of the teeth affected. There are numerous reasons why gums recede. Genetics play a big role in determining susceptibility to things like periodontal disease which is the leading cause of gum recession. Aside from periodontal disease, gingival recession can also be caused by the lack of proper dental care. Adversely, it can be caused by too much brushing of the teeth or by brushing the teeth in a forceful, extreme manner.
Pinhole is one of many successful techniques used in our practice! With the Pinhole Surgical Technique, we can treat all the affected teeth in one session, although patients can also opt for treating just one arch or quadrant at a time. This approach allows Dr. Hendroid and Hendry to customize the treatment to each individual patient and tooth.
Collagen is used in the Pinhole Technique. Collagen is the main structural protein found in fibrous tissue such as skin, ligaments and bone. It provides elasticity and strength. The Pinhole Technique does not require a tissue graft other than the use of collagen. The patient’s existing gum tissue is repositioned (not cut) to cover the exposed tooth roots and collagen is used to stabilize the gums in their new position.