One area where periodontal expertise have advanced dramatically in recent years is that of correcting the gum line recession caused by gingivitis/periodontal disease. Pinhole surgical technique (PST) grafts are the latest innovation in a long line of soft tissue techniques used to correct gum recession. PST procedures are minimally invasive, cause very little pain or bleeding, and heal extremely quickly.

The results of PST treatment are a restored gum line and are often both impressive and long-lasting. But how does the PST graft process work? Here is a basic overview to give you the idea:

The Periodontal Exam
If you have periodontal problems and think you may be a good candidate for a PST graft, the first step is to make an appointment with a periodontist who is trained to perform this kind of dental surgery.

Your periodontist will need to examine your gums to see if your soft tissue is in good enough condition to undergo PST surgery. If periodontitis has set in and “gone too far,” you might need a different periodontal treatment instead.

The Pinhole Incision
The PST process begins with a small “pinhole” like incision being made a little above each tooth where the gums need to be adjusted. A special tool is used to reach in through that pinhole and loosen the gums from the teeth enough that they can be moved to a desirable position.

Collagen Placement
Collagen membrane strips will be placed under the gums (through the pinhole incision) for two reasons: to aid in healing and adding bulk to your gums and to help hold your gum line firmly in its new position.

As gums are made up largely of collagen, placing collagen strips will stimulate regeneration of more gum tissue to replace that which may presently be missing.

Sutures And Tissue Flaps
In general, sutures (dental stitches) and tissue flaps (as in gum flap surgery) are not necessary nor are they usually needed in PST periodontal surgery. However, individual cases and individual areas of gum tissue around particular teeth may require additional attention. Your periodontist may use a partial tissue flap here, a suture there, or a small tissue graft over there, if it is needed because the gums are so badly deteriorated in a specific locale.

After PST Graft Surgery
PST surgery may only take a matter of hours (or even less if only a few teeth have bad gum recession.) And the procedure is not only minimally invasive but also minimally painful.

However, you may experience some gum soreness or minor bleeding temporarily. And you will need to take care to not brush the gums immediately after the surgery. They need time to heal and “toughen back up” before you resume your regular dental hygiene regimen.

And you may also want to use a quality antiseptic mouth wash that will kill bacteria on your gums, and your periodontist will likely provide you with one or at least recommend one to you.

To learn more about PST grafts, or to schedule a free initial consultation, contact periodontist Dr. Raymond A. Kenzik in Ormond Beach, FL, today!