Gum recession can leave your gums looking narrow, your teeth looking longer, and the roots of your teeth exposed. If you can relate, there’s good news. The Pinhole Surgical Technique could have your smile looking great again.
Do your teeth appear to be growing longer as you age? If so, this could be because your gums are becoming shorter. Gum disease can cause gum tissue to shrink, which can reveal more of the structure of your teeth.
At Image Dental in Stockton, California, our team offers the Pinhole Surgical Technique, in which your provider repositions your gum tissue to give your teeth good coverage again. And, your provider does this without needing to use scalpels or stitches.
Gum recession 101
Gum recession can occur for a number of reasons, but a common reason is gum disease, which often occurs due to poor dental hygiene habits. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, starts out as gingivitis, in which your gums become irritated and bleed easily. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, there’s a good chance this is due to gingivitis.
If the gum disease is allowed to progress, it can turn into periodontitis, in which the gum tissue begins to pull away or “recede” from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can find a home and continue to multiply. And while these pockets can lead to further gum deterioration, they can also cause bone tissue in the jaw to deteriorate as well.
If the periodontitis isn’t treated, this can lead to the loss of teeth. In fact, gum disease is the top reason for tooth loss among adults. However, if you take steps to repair the damage, you can restore your oral health.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession
For years, treating gum recession often involved gum surgery, in which tissue was grafted into place to cover the visible tooth roots. However, grafting requires stitching, which can be a turnoff for patients who are nervous about dental procedures.
At Image Dental, we treat gum recession using the safe and effective Pinhole Surgical Technique. This procedure is minimally invasive, requires little downtime, and doesn’t involve a scalpel or stitches.
To perform the Pinhole Surgical Technique, your provider uses a needle to make a tiny hole in your gum tissue. Then, your provider inserts specialized tools through the tiny hole and loosens the gum tissue. Then, your provider takes the loosened gum tissue and gently stretches it to reposition it over your teeth.
Your provider stretches it and reposition it just enough so that it covers your teeth where it should and looks natural. To make the re-positioned gum tissue stay, your provider places tiny strips of collagen, which is a substance your body produces.
The collagen dissolves slowly, giving the gum tissue plenty of time to bond securely to your teeth. Within 24 hours, the pinhole should close up, and within 48 hours, you should be able to return to most of your usual activities.
If you’ve noticed receding gums, or if you have any other dental needs, we can give you the care you need. To learn more, call (209) 955-1500 or book an appointment online with Image Dental today.
Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.
