Our Services / Pinhole Surgery

What is pinhole surgery?

Pinhole Surgical Technique® (PST), or pinhole surgery, is a minimally invasive technique to treat gum recession and prevent new gum damage. The Pinhole Surgical Technique involves no scalpels or sutures and is a great treatment option for treating several nearby gum recession areas.

In the past, the most common gum recession treatment was soft tissue gum grafting, an invasive procedure that often requires lengthy downtime. Pinhole surgery, by comparison, is faster, less painful, and offers a quicker recovery than tissue grafting.

Why would I need pinhole surgery?

Pinhole surgery treats gum recession, a common consequence of periodontal disease in which the gums pull away from the teeth. Poor oral hygiene, aggressively brushing your teeth, bruxism (teeth grinding), and genetics can also raise your risk of gum recession. 

Gum recession is an oral health concern and cosmetic issue. When your gums shrink away from your teeth, they no longer provide stability. Your teeth may feel sensitive, weak, and even loose as gum recession progresses. Early intervention is essential to prevent serious oral health issues, such as tooth loss.

What happens during pinhole surgery?

Unlike traditional gum grafting, pinhole surgery doesn’t require cutting into the gum tissue. Instead, the team uses a thin dental needle to create a small access hole in your gums. 

Small dental instruments allow the team to gently maneuver your gum tissue over the recessed areas. This technique allows them to reposition your gums without disrupting the surface.

By performing the procedure through a tiny pinhole, the team eliminates many of the uncomfortable effects of traditional gum grafting. Traditional surgery requires removing tissue from the roof of your mouth and placing it over the receded portion of your gums.

Removing this piece of tissue is often the most uncomfortable part of traditional gum grafting.

Since the technique doesn’t involve taking tissue from the roof of your mouth or making incisions in the gums, pinhole surgery doesn’t require sutures. Most patients can resume their normal activities and return to work within just one or two days of their procedure. 

Pinhole surgery allows you to restore your gums without the downtime that accompanies more invasive techniques. To learn more about the Pinhole Surgical Technique, call Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants, or schedule an appointment online today.