The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) makes it possible for periodontist Dr. Robert Cain to reshape your gum line without the need to cut, scrape or stitch. It offers an alternative to traditional periodontal surgery procedures. This new method of treating receding gums makes it easier for Dr. Cain to give you natural-looking results in a short amount of time.
Dr. Cain is one of the only periodontists in the Knoxville area who is a certified provider of The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST), invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S. Dr. Cain uses this noninvasive method to treat receding gums with minimal discomfort and downtime effectively.
This effective method for restoring the gum line will help you maintain your best smile after gum disease or gum recession.
How to Deal with Receding Gums
Your gums create a barrier from infection entering your body. This is why you need to take care of your gums, so they don’t begin to recede. Gum recession is when your gum tissue begins to die off, and this will cause your gum line to recede higher and higher up the tooth.
Receding gums are both a cosmetic and oral health concern. Patients with receding gums often have or have had periodontal disease. Dr. Cain offers gum disease treatments to eradicate dead tissue and repair a receding gum line.
Gums that have receded can create an unbalanced aesthetic. Patients may feel self-conscious or embarrassed by their smiles. The tooth will appear longer, and the space between the teeth will increase. This can begin to affect a patient’s quality of life.
Advanced gum recession may also leave the tooth root exposed, which may cause extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold and pain. Exposed roots can also make a patient prone to gum disease and infection. These roots can make it difficult for patients to enjoy eating or drinking.
Most importantly, receding gums can be a symptom of an underlying problem, including gum disease. This can increase your risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, bad breath, and bleeding gums.
Why are My Gums Receding?
Gum recession can occur because of a variety of different things. A single factor may be the cause, or multiple things work together to contribute to this recession. One of the biggest worries when you see gum recession is periodontal disease. Not only does this cause receding gums, but it has far-reaching effects on your overall health and well-being. Plaque and tartar buildup can make the gums recede, even if periodontal disease hasn’t fully set in yet.
Lifestyle habits impact gum recession as well. If you’re brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too stiff, it can cause your gums to recede. Smoking and chewing tobacco use are hard on your gums as well. Lip and tongue piercings that make contact with your gums at certain angles repetitively, increasing the risk of gum recession in these specific areas. We aim to help determine the cause of your gum recession so that we can treat the root of the problem, too.
Before & After Pinhole Gum Surgery
The Pinhole Gum Surgery Procedure in Knoxville, TN
As a highly trained and experienced periodontist, Dr. Cain specializes in gum disease treatment and diagnosis. He uses the latest dental technology and technique for minimally invasive and highly effective treatment.
Dr. Cain has been an esteemed member of the periodontist community in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Crossville for over 20 years.
Your procedure will begin with Dr. Cain administering a local anesthetic to numb the treated area. Through a needle-sized hole, Dr. Cain uses high-quality instruments to loosen the receding gum tissue carefully. The loosened tissue is then pushed down and shaped to cover the exposed tooth root. Moving the tissue creates a full, natural-looking gum line.
Treatment is quick and normally takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. The procedure is mostly pain-free because it is non-invasive. Because it doesn’t require sutures or invasive surgery, you can enjoy almost no swelling or bleeding.
There should only be minor discomfort. Downtime is minimal, and most patients experience immediate results.
Pinhole Gum Surgery FAQs
Read answers to common questions about pinhole gum surgery in Knoxville, TN:
Does the Pinhole Gum Lift hurt?
This technique creates a way for our dentist to restore the health of your gums through a small hole. This non-invasive procedure allows patients to experience less bleeding, discomfort, and pain. Patients are generally surprised at how comfortable they feel during their gum lift. Many patients return to their daily life immediately after treatment.
Does the Pinhole Gum Lift require sutures?
The Pinhole Gum Lift is a non-surgical procedure that does not require the gums to be cut open, so stitches are unnecessary. The procedure is completed through a tiny hole in the gum line that will heal within a day or two. This allows for minimal downtime and less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.
How long will the results last after a Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation?
The results of the Pinhole Gum Lift are permanent. You can keep your gums healthy with a good daily oral hygiene. We also recommend biannual visits to our dentist for professional cleanings.
How long does the Pinhole procedure and recovery take?
One of the best parts of this procedure is the short treatment and recovery time. The procedure itself only takes 10 to 20 minutes per affected tooth. Because it’s minimally invasive, recovery is short, too. Some patients are good to go by dinnertime on the same day.
How soon can I brush and floss after the Pinhole procedure?
You’ll need to be gentle with your gums at first, but you don’t have to wait long to brush and floss. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing or flossing the treated area. Instead, rinse lightly with warm saltwater to keep it clean.
After 24 hours, you can carefully brush your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid scrubbing the gums where the procedure was done. Wait at least 3 to 4 days before flossing near the treated area. When you start again, be extra gentle to avoid irritating the gums.
Is the Pinhole procedure worth it?
If you’re eligible, we highly recommend the Pinhole procedure for your gum disease treatment. It’s one of the best ways to manage gum disease. Usually, insurance covers the procedure because it’s for periodontal therapy. It also offers one of the least invasive methods available.
Am I an ideal candidate for Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation?
There are certain criteria someone has to meet to be eligible for this procedure. Your gum disease can be severe enough that you’ll need a different procedure to manage your condition. You have to have enough gum tissue for surgery.
We don’t recommend this technique to patients with a habit of teeth grinding or those with uneven bites. It can be a risky procedure for those with compromised immune systems. For the procedure to be a success, you have to dedicate yourself to good home oral healthcare.
Is Pinhole gum surgery safe for older adults or people with chronic health conditions?
Pinhole gum surgery is safe for older adults and many people with chronic health conditions, but it depends on your specific situation. Our dentist might recommend a different treatment if you have severe bone loss or weak gums.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, or immune system problems, safety depends on how well your condition is managed. For example, if your diabetes is under control, pinhole surgery is safe. But if you have uncontrolled infections or take blood thinners, our dentist may need to adjust your treatment plan.
Schedule an Appointment
Are you ready to restore your gums? Contact Dr. Cain’s Knoxville office today to schedule your consultation and find out if Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is right for you. Call (865) 276-7173 or request an appointment with us online.
