In India, many adults suffer from gum diseases and severe gum recession. Various treatment procedures are performed, which include painful, time-consuming and costly gum surgeries. Receding gums is a dental condition that damages the surrounding pink tissue present around the teeth. There is the formation of bacteria on the tooth surface. As a result, pockets are created, which causes the pulling of gums away from teeth.
Early stages of gum recession can be treated with deep scaling and root planing. But the later phase of gum recession can lead to deeper pockets, inflammation, bone loss, and tooth loss. In such cases, pinhole surgery can be an excellent choice to heal receding gums. Pinhole surgery may sound scary, but it’s a safe and easy chair-side surgical procedure performed for receding gums. It is the most modern method for treating gum recession.
Dr. Rajat Sachdeva, one of the best dentist in Delhi, focuses on pinhole gum surgery rather than traditional methods. It is non-invasive, painless, requires less time, has a higher success rate, and gives excellent results.
Continue reading this article to know about pinhole surgery, its procedure, benefits, and more.
Before discussing pinhole surgery, let’s know,
What are the Causes of Gum Recession?
Receding gums is a dental condition that damages the surrounding tissues of the teeth. The most common cause of gum recession is gum disease. The recession of gums can be caused due to several different conditions such as:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Inflammation
- Trauma from occlusion
- Periodontal conditions
- Bruxism or clenching of teeth
- Piercings (lip or tongue)
- Improper or aggressive tooth brushing and flossing technique
- Maligned bite or crooked teeth
- Hormonal changes
- Orthodontic expansion
Now, let’s know,
What is Pinhole Gum Surgery?
It is an alternative to conventional gum grafting. It involves using a specific device to loosen and extend the gum tissue around the natural teeth. It helps improve the overall appearance.
Let’s discuss,
How is Pinhole Gum Surgery done?
- The idea behind the pinhole surgery is that a small pinhole is made to loosen the gum tissues. It is performed to avoid the necessity for grafting tissue from the patient’s upper palate, commonly used to repair the gums.
- Gum recession treatment has become substantially faster and less invasive thanks to the ground-breaking pinhole surgical technique.
- The procedure starts with creating a small hole in the gums. Then, the gums are freed using a special device inserted through the pinhole and adjusted to the desired position.
- Small collagen strips are put into the holes once the gums are in this position to help stabilize them. The pinhole will usually heal in one or two days.
- The pinhole technique is a better way for individuals to achieve attractive gum appearance and alignment without invasive surgical options.
- Most patients are suitable candidates for the treatment. It can be determined during an initial consultation with an experienced dentist in Delhi.
Let’s know,
What are the Advantages of Pinhole Surgery?
- Quick recovery than conventional gum grafting
- No sutures, incisions, or scalpels needed
- Performed under anesthesia and sedation
- Less pain, bleeding and swelling
- No need for the removal of donor tissue from the palate
- Long-lasting natural results
- Cost-efficient
- Takes few minutes to treat a tooth.
- Multiple teeth can be operated on in a single visit with minimum discomfort.
Aftercare for Pinhole Gum Surgery
Pinhole gum surgery does not require any harvesting of tissues from the inside mouth or any suturing. It is a revolutionary way to correct the receding gums problem.
The recovery is very fast as no grafting is required. However, it is essential to visit the dentist for a follow-up to ensure the healing of pinholes. The patient must follow some of the post-operative instructions that include:
- Placing ice packs on the outer cheek areas in intervals for 48 hours as much as possible.
- Avoid brushing over the surgical site.
- Use an extra-soft toothbrush for six months after surgery.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, cloth, or any soft or hard object to clean the operated area.
- Avoid flossing, touching, and licking the surgical site.
- Avoid sleep on the side where surgery was done. If you have both sides done, sleep on your back.
- Avoid facial massages and playing wind instruments for three weeks.
- Avoid sucking on foods or straws and blowing up balloons.
- Avoid spitting, eating mints, or chewing gums.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week.
- Avoid clenching or grinding the teeth.
- Avoid heavy lifting that needs clenching of the teeth.
- Consume healthy foods that are soft and easily chewable or blend them to make a smoothie.
- Avoid consumption of hot liquids and hard food items for one week after the surgery.
If you have any concerns about gum recession or gingival health, we at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic in Delhi would be more than happy to treat, guide, and help you.