Pinhole Surgery Technique for Treatment of Gum Recession

Enjoy Less Discomfort & Faster Recovery with This Innovative Gum Treatment

If you’re experiencing gum recession, seeking treatment as early on as possible is vital to prevent tooth loss and prevent irreversible damage to the gums. East Bentleigh Dental Group is the first in Melbourne and one of only a few dental clinics in Australia offering the breakthrough Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) for the treatment of gum recession. Unlike traditional gum grafting procedures, the PST involves no incisions, scalpels or sutures, resulting in less discomfort and a faster recovery for the patient. Read on to learn more about gum recession and our available treatment using the Pinhole Surgical Technique.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is the process of gum tissue loss along the gum line, resulting in exposure of the teeth roots. When these roots are exposed, it’s easier for bacteria to build up in the gaps or ‘pockets’ left between the teeth and gum line. In addition to causing decay, this can also cause serious damage to the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth if left untreated, resulting in tooth loss.

Common Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Periodontal diseases
• Your genes
• The ageing process
• Abrasive brushing
• Poor dental care
• Hormonal changes
• Lip or tongue piercings
• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching

How to Prevent Gums from Receding

In order to prevent gum recession, it’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums. Adopting a regular oral hygiene routine that involves brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting the dentist for a professional clean every 6 months can help to keep your gums in a healthy state.

The Treatment – Pinhole Surgical Technique at EBDG

Traditional gum recession treatments involve rebuilding the gum line using donor tissue or soft tissue grafts from the patient’s palate. These grafts then join with the patient’s existing gum tissue during the healing process. At East Bentleigh Dental Group, we use the Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) for the treatment of gum recession. This treatment involves simply adjusting the gum tissue that is already there, making it much less invasive. First, we use a needle to make a small hole in the gum tissue. Special instruments are then inserted through this pinhole to gently loosen the tissue, helping us to expand and slide the gum line so it covers the exposed root structure. This means no sutures or incisions are necessary.

The technique was created by cosmetic dentist Dr John Chao, who personally trained our dentist. We are now proud to pioneer the innovative technique here in Victoria for the benefit of our Melbourne patients.

Dr Maria Sole Bellamy has been working in Melbourne in private practice since 2005. In 2016, she travelled to California to train with Dr John Chao, the creator of the Pinhole Surgical Technique – the minimally invasive, scalpel and suture free procedure for treating gum recession. She was the first dentist in Melbourne to offer the Pinhole Procedure. Since then, she has dedicated herself to the management and treatment of diverse factors that cause gum recession. Dr Bellamy has successfully used the Pinhole Surgical Technique on many patients, and she is the only Australian dentist to have been awarded the title of Advanced Pinhole Clinician by the Pinhole Academy earlier this year.

The PST has several major benefits for the patient, including:

• Faster recovery
• Less post-treatment discomfort
• No uncomfortable sutures or invasive surgical tools
• No donor tissue required
• Natural-looking results that last

Home Remedies for Gum Recession

While gum recession is usually the sign of an underlying issue that requires treatment by a dentist, there are some home remedies that are thought to be beneficial for receding gums. These remedies include drinking cranberry juice that’s rich in vitamin C, performing an oil pull, and adding a drop of tea tree oil to the toothbrush when brushing to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties.

FAQs

What is the pinhole surgery technique?

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is an innovative technique for treating gum recession without the need for incisions, scalpels or sutures. The technique involves adjusting the existing gum tissue rather than rebuilding the gum line using other tissue, helping to reduce recovery time and minimise post-treatment discomfort.

Who is a good candidate for pinhole gum surgery?

Anyone experiencing gum recession could be a suitable candidate for pinhole gum surgery. To find out if the Pinhole Surgical Technique could be an alternative to gum grafting for you, arrange an appointment at East Bentleigh Dental Group today.

Does pinhole gum surgery require stitches?

No, unlike other treatments for gum recession, pinhole gum surgery using the Pinhole Surgical Technique does not require stitches. This helps to minimise patient discomfort and speed up recovery.

What can you eat after pinhole gum surgery?

Clear liquids can be consumed immediately after the surgery. After two hours, you can resume eating a soft food diet. Keep your fluids up, but make sure to not use a straw. Our dentist will provide you with further instructions to follow during your recovery.

Which is better – gum graft or pinhole?

While this will depend on the specific case, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is typically a superior choice. This is because it doesn’t require sutures or incisions, which helps to speed up recovery and reduce discomfort after treatment.

Book an Appointment Today

To discuss your suitability for the The Pinhole^® Surgical Technique, please contact East Bentleigh Dental Group via “contact us” form below, by phone, email or online booking form. Our dentist will then see you to discuss your concern, assess suitability for the procedure and determine the best way forward for your oral health.