Receding gums is a common oral health problem that affects the gums surrounding the teeth. the gums pull back exposing the root of the tooth, when this occurs, gaps or pockets form in amongst the teeth and gum line, making it easier for bacteria to build up. This is an oral health issue that should not be ignored because this causes severe damage to the bone structure and supporting tissues and always results in tooth loss, receding gums also result in bad breath, redness, and gum swelling.
Mild cases of gum recession may not need treatment however professional advice is needed to prevent further infection. In moderate to severe cases, treatments may vary and may also consider surgery. A common surgical procedure is gum grafting which involves harvesting gum tissues from the palate area and grafted on to the affected gum area.
There are 2 surgical procedures for receding gum lines
1. Gum grafting
This involves harvesting the gums from the palate to be grafted into the receding gum line, the gums will be flapped open and graft gums into the area, then the open gum will be sutured to keep the graft in place. Given that this procedure is invasive, this requires more downtime for patients, and swelling and bruising is common after the surgery, this can be managed by pain relievers. A soft diet will be necessary for 2 weeks.
2. Pinhole surgery technique
This procedure involves raising or lowering the gum lines with the aid of a specialized dental tool to create a small opening after that gum tissues will be loosened until the gum slides down to a stronger and appropriate position to cover the root. Once the gums are at the desired position collagen strips are inserted to hold the gums in position.
ADVANTAGES TO THE PINHOLE SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
· No Incisions and sutures
This procedure does not involve incisions, sutures so this may mean a faster recovery.
· Result is instant
You will be able to recognize the difference in your smile after surgery, teeth and gums will look symmetrical.
· Fast recovery
Without surgery and stitches to care for, patients will fave fast recovery
· Various areas can be treated
Compared to gum grafting, it can only be done in limited treatment areas for one visit. Pinhole surgery only requires one surgical site and can focus on many locations and allow patients to undergo treatment for their whole mouth with one appointment.
· One surgical site
Unlike gum grafting which requires harvesting graft on a donor area making it one surgery site and the second surgery site will be the gum flap where the graft is placed. While with pinhole surgery it only has one site to treat multiple areas.
· Faster healing
This is one big advantage for pinhole surgery is the healing, because it only needs 1 surgical site to treat multiple areas healing is faster, than conventional gum grafting technique, and pain is minimal.
Are you a candidate for pinhole surgery?
Your gum specialist will make an evaluation and recommend this treatment for you but some requirements would make a patient be a candidate for the pinhole surgery technique
· If sensitivity is caused by the receding gums and not caused by periodontal disease
· If you are not a smoker or will quit smoking
· If it is an aesthetic issue
· You must have sufficient gums for this to be successful
People who are not qualified for this procedure have other options:
· Using dentin bonding agents to reduce tooth sensitivity of the exposed root
· Composite restoration can be used to cover the root surface and close gaps in between teeth.
· Removable gum veneers acrylic material to cover the area where gums are missing
· Orthodontics to gradually move the position of the teeth correcting the gum margin.
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