Has your dentist said you have gum recession? This condition involves the gradual pulling away of gum tissue from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth or even its root. A traditional gum graft can treat gingival recession, but Downtown Dental has a less invasive treatment that works wonders for a receding gum line. Known as the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST), this conservative treatment is less painful, and the recovery is faster than traditional gum grafting.
Experience the “magic” of the Pinhole Surgical Technique in Los Angeles, California, by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Don Mungcal. You’ll soon enjoy a fuller, more symmetrical gum line.
Why do gums recede?
If your teeth are sensitive, look longer than usual, or have exposed roots, these are clear signs of gum recession. Gum recession doesn’t occur overnight. The following are the common causes of receding gums.
- Gum/periodontal disease
- Aggressive brushing
- Teeth grinding
- Hormonal imbalances
- Dental trauma
- Poor genetics
- Misaligned teeth
Receding gums can affect the appearance of your smile, leading to self-consciousness and reduced confidence. Besides aesthetics, gingival recession increases the risk of tooth decay and can worsen the existing gum disease, leading to a cycle of destruction. Gum recession should be treated immediately to prevent further damage.
How does the Pinhole Surgical Technique work?
Traditionally, dentists treat receded gums with gum grafting, a surgical procedure to cover exposed roots and restore gum tissue. Gum grafting works, but the procedure is invasive, and recovery can take a long time, primarily if the gum graft is harvested from your body.
Dr. Mungcal treats receded gums with the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST). After a consultation, the dentist will administer local anesthesia and possible sedation to make your treatment painless. Then, we’ll make tiny holes, about 6-7mm above the gum line, using micro-thin needles. The number of holes depends on the number of teeth affected.
The dentist will use a special handheld tool to gently stretch and reposition your gum tissues over the receded areas. Instead of sutures, the dentist uses collagen strips to hold the gum tissues in place.
Since no incisions are made during PST, swelling and inflammation are of no concern. You can expect mild sensitivity, but these symptoms don’t last long. Patients can resume their everyday activities 24 hours after PST. You are also not expected to alter your diet like you would after traditional gum grafting.
What are the benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
More than 95% of PST surgeries are successful, offering the same success rate as traditional gum grafts. However, many patients prefer PST because it provides the following unique benefits.
- Less traumatic treatment
- Comfortable experience
- No sutures or stitches are required
- Short recovery time (less than 24 hours)
- Long-lasting results
- No need for donor tissue
- Natural-looking, immediate outcomes
- You don’t need any incisions
- There is a low risk of complications
Ready for the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
If you have gum recession, seek treatment today to prevent further health complications. Downtown Dental is committed to exceeding expectations by providing innovative treatments beyond traditional approaches. If you need Pinhole Surgical Technique in Los Angeles, CA, please call 213-863-9464 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mungcal and the team.
