Pinhole Gum Technique In Palm Beach

The Value of the Pinhole Technique

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a state-of-the-art procedure that replaces the need for gum grafts. The Pinhole Technique is minimally invasive and requires almost no downtime.

With the Pinhole Technique there are no scalpels and no sutures. Dr. Lee R. Cohen simply makes a small opening, the size of a pinhole, in the gum tissue adjacent to your affected tooth. He works with your existing gum tissue to help reverse gum recession.

Most Pinhole patients return to their normal activities within a couple of hours of the procedure.

How Pinhole Works

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique® was invented by Dr. John Chao a research professor and doctor of dentistry. Like many dentists, Dr. Chao enjoyed seeing the benefits of gum grafts but wanted to help patients achieve the same result with less pain. He invented the Pinhole Technique. Dr. Cohen studied with Dr. Chao to learn how to perform the Pinhole Technique.

With the Pinhole Technique, Dr. Cohen uses a pin to make a small hole in your existing gum tissue. Once the pinhole sized opening is made, just above or below your tooth, Dr. Cohen uses exceptionally small periodontal instruments to gently loosen your gum tissue. Then, the gum tissue is used to cover the exposed root structure and restore your gumline.

Comfort During Pinhole Technique

During your Pinhole Technique procedure, Dr. Cohen administers local anesthetic. You will not feel the procedure. After your Pinhole Technique procedure, you may experience mild discomfort in the affected area for the remainder of the day. In the days following care you might notice sensitivity to hot and cold.

For patients who need the Pinhole Technique on multiple teeth or experience dental anxiety, sedation options are available. With sedation, you can comfortably rest through your periodontal visit.

How is Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST ) performed?

During the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient's existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.

There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue.

The Difference Between Pinhole and Gum Grafts

Gum grafts are the traditional treatment for gum recession. With gum grafts the periodontist uses a scalpel to remove soft tissue from elsewhere in your mouth and rebuild your gumline. The soft tissue is then sutured into place. Gum grafting requires recovery time as the new soft tissue heals.

The Pinhole Technique is a more modern approach. All doctors who perform the Pinhole Technique are required to complete a specialized postdoctoral training and certification process.

The Pinhole Technique procedure is performed without grafting. Therefore, scalpels and sutures are unnecessary. Dr. Cohen replaces your missing soft tissue with tissue already in your gums. There is no real downtime or recovery period. Your body simply adjusts to the slight movement in gum tissue and periodontal health is restored.

The benefits of the Pinhole Technique are many:

• Less discomfort after treatment

• Fast recovery

• No need for uncomfortable sutures

• No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools

• No need to take tissue from your palate

• Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results

Why Treating Gum Recession Matters

Gum recession has serious implications for your oral and physical health. When gum tissue recedes, the root structure your teeth becomes exposed. This can lead to tooth decay, pain while eating, reduced self-confidence, and you may lose your teeth.

Gum recession and periodontal disease are often discovered together. A diagnosis of periodontal disease means there is harmful bacteria living in your gum pockets. A telltale sign of periodontal disease is bad breath. Untreated periodontal disease leads to tooth and bone loss in your mouth. Beyond the mouth, periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, some forms of cancer, and diabetes.

Reversing gum recession with the Pinhole Technique is a matter of health. It’s a smart way to keep your mouth and body well.

Why Do I have Gum Recession?

• Gum recession is the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. Gum recession occurs as a result of periodontal diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis. It is also caused by the natural aging process of your body, your genetics, or rough brushing of your teeth.