If you are suffering from gum recession due to gum disease, Poulos & Somers can restore your smile without gum grafting. We use advanced techniques like pinhole gum surgery to provide you with excellent results, faster treatments, and a shorter recovery process. Learn more below, or contact us now to get started at our Denver practice.
Pinhole gum recession is a treatment used to treat gum recession, which is often caused by gum disease. When you are affected by a serious case of gum disease, your gums will pull away from your teeth, exposing the roots of your teeth.
This can cause sensitivity, negative effects on the appearance of your smile, and a higher risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Pinhole gum surgery is used to restore your gums without invasive gum grafting.
The procedure takes only about an hour and is done under local numbing, though dental sedation is available at our office. Your Denver dentist at Poulos & Somers will clean and numb your mouth. Then, small “pinholes” are made in the gum tissue.
Through these holes, your gums will be lifted, and then strips of collagen will be placed beneath them. These strips help stabilize your teeth and gums, and allow your gum tissue to regrow and support your teeth. Eventually, this restores your oral health and the natural appearance of your smile.
Pinhole gum rejuvenation can last for years and decades with proper oral care. As long as you manage your gum disease properly, do not overbrush your teeth with stiff-bristled brushes, and avoid other such risk factors for gum recession, your results will continue to look great.
Your smile may still be affected by the natural aging process, of course, which could result in some changes to your gums. But as long as your gums remain healthy, your pinhole gum rejuvenation procedure will continue to last for the years and decades to come.
Yes. Pinhole gum surgery is considered to be just as permanent as any other type of treatment for gum recession, such as gum grafting. It will never “wear off.” The new gum tissue in your mouth will continue to support your teeth and keep your smile healthy for years to come, as long as you take proper care of your mouth and see the Denver team at Poulos & Somers for regular teeth cleanings and oral exams.
Yes. Pinhole gum surgery is just as effective as other methods of gum restoration like gum grafting. And since it’s minimally-invasive and does not have a lengthy recovery period, it’s sometimes considered to be a more effective solution than gum grafting for some patients.
However, pinhole gum surgery may not be appropriate for all patients and all cases. To see if you’re a good candidate for treatment, contact Poulos & Somers in Denver today.
A good candidate for pinhole gum surgery would be someone who is in overall good health but is suffering from gum recession. You should not have any other present oral health problems such as an active gum infection or tooth decay.
These issues will need to be addressed first. If you have active gum disease and severely receding gums, you may be a better candidate for gum grafts. This is because pinhole gum surgery requires a certain amount of gum tissue to work.
Smokers are also not good candidates so if you are interested in this procedure, you should stop smoking. Pinhole gum surgery is best suited for patients who would like to correct aesthetic imperfections with their receding gums, not severe dental issues as a result of the gums pulling away from the roots of the teeth.
After surgery at our Denver practice, you can expect some mild bleeding, swelling, sensitivity to cold, and discomfort. Pain and bleeding should subside within 24-28 hours. Take any prescribed medication as instructed or take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication.
To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off repeatedly for the first 48 hours. Keep your head elevated and do not apply heat to the face during this time. You will need to keep your mouth clean but cannot brush or floss at the surgery site.
After 24 hours, if the bleeding has stopped you can use a lukewarm salt water rinse or a prescribed mouthwash to rinse your mouth. Do not swish it around, spit, or close your lips together. Put the rinse in your mouth with your lips apart and gently swirl it around, then lean over the sink and let the liquid fall out.
You can gently and carefully brush your tongue and the teeth that did not have any surgery. Make sure to use a toothbrush with very soft bristles for at least 6 weeks. You will stick to a diet of soft foods during your recovery, so do not consume any hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods.
You need to be careful not to disturb the surgical site so avoid all forms of suction, do not touch the area, chew on that side of the mouth, sleep on that side of the face, or even look at the gums because this means pulling on your cheek which you cannot do for 6 weeks.
For the first week, you should avoid strenuous physical activity, get plenty of rest, avoid hot liquids and alcohol. No smoking or using tobacco products for at least 3 weeks. You must avoid grinding your teeth so if you suffer from Bruxism, discuss this with the dentist. Avoid touching or massaging your face for at least 3 weeks.
If you’re suffering from gum recession but are otherwise in good oral and overall health, then pinhole gum surgery is a great painless alternative to gum grafts and you’ll heal faster! Contact us at Poulos & Somers today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Poulos, Dr. Nicholas Poulos, Dr. Ann Somers, or Dr. Kimberly Marshall.
