If you are dealing with extensive gum recession, you know that it can damage both the health and appearance of your smile. However, traditional methods for repairing recessed gums can seem intimidating. Surgical treatments such as soft tissue grafting require several months of recovery time before your mouth is fully healed. During the first week or two of recovery, you may be unable to brush and floss or eat many of the foods you normally enjoy. In order to provide you with more comfortable treatment, experienced periodontist Dr. Robert Cain now offers the Pinhole Surgical Technique, a revolutionary gum recession treatment that allows you to resume your daily routine in a matter of hours, not weeks or months.
What is Soft Tissue Grafting?
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a less invasive alternative to soft tissue grafting, one of the most frequently used treatments for recessed gums. Soft tissue grafting often requires Dr. Cain to carefully make an incision to remove a small piece of gum tissue from the top of the mouth. This tissue is then placed over the recessed area of the gums using stitches and a clear plastic adhesive.
What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
Soft tissue grafting is a safe and effective procedure, but some patients may prefer a more comfortable and less invasive method. Unlike soft tissue grafting, the Pinhole Surgical Technique allows Dr. Cain to repair your gum line without incisions or stitches. Instead, he will only make a needle-sized hole in the gum tissue. Then a specialized tool can be used to loosen the recessed gums and gently push them down to cover the exposed tooth root.
This method is also known as the Lunchtime Lift™ because it only takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete and your recovery time will be very brief. You can resume normal drinking and eating within about an hour of the procedure. The tiny hole that makes this treatment possible will often heal in a day or less, with only minimal or no discomfort until then. Best of all, you will see a dramatic improvement in the health and appearance of your gum line almost instantly.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about how the Pinhole Surgical Technique can be used to treat gum recession, visit us at East Tennessee Periodontics in Knoxville, TN. To schedule an appointment, call (865) 280-1173 or request an appointment online.