Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation PST™
The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™), also known as gum recession treatment, is used to address gum recession in a minimally invasive way. At Winston-Salem Dental Specialists, we offer advanced alternatives to traditional gum grafting procedures, which typically involve more extensive surgery and longer recovery periods. Our doctors are trained in a variety of tunneling techniques, including PST™, designed to reposition and restore gum tissue with less discomfort and downtime.
Our own Dr. Peavy was the first periodontist in North Carolina to become certified in PST™ and leads this procedure within our practice.
Many patients are pleasantly surprised by the immediate improvement in the appearance of their smile following treatment, as well as the ability to manage post-operative discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Benefits of PST™ and Other Tunneling Approaches
Immediate Cosmetic Benefits
Patients are able to see an immediate improvement in their overall cosmetic appearance after this procedure. This is due to its minimal invasiveness and thus a reduced need for sutures. With this procedure, patients can be on their way to a healthier and more attractive smile in no time.
Fast Recovery
Patients are able to recover faster with PST™ than the traditional methods because of its minimal invasiveness. With less invasiveness, there typically is not a need for sutures either. Our patients have reported being able to manage their post-op pain with just over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Treating Multiple Areas at Once
Most often, patients are experiencing gum recession in more than one area. With PST, they are able to have all of the areas fixed at once, instead of needing to have them done at separate times. This is because of the minimal invasiveness and fast healing times, so patients are able to adequately handle all at once.
How the Pinhole Surgical Technique Works
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is done through a minimally invasive, 2mm, round incision or “pinhole.” To begin, our team will prepare the patient’s gum tissue and their special instruments for the procedure. Next, the doctor will begin by creating the 2mm round incision in the gum. Through the newly created “pinhole,” your doctor will then insert collagen to help bulk the gums and hold the gum line in its new place. Your doctor will continue to move the gum tissue until it covers as much of the exposed roots as possible, giving you immediate cosmetic improvements and protection from gum disease. Once the doctor has finished the gum recession surgery, most of our patients do not require sutures so the recovery time is short.
Pinhole Gum Surgery vs Gum Grafting
Less Invasive
Through PST™, only a 2mm round incision is made. With gum grafting, a portion of the roof of the mouth is grafted.
Reduced Bleeding, Swelling and Pain
Because pinhole gum surgery is less invasive than traditional gum grafting, there is less bleeding, swelling, and pain associated.
Faster Recovery
A majority of patients do not need sutures after PST™ and with minimal invasiveness as well, they are able to recover much faster than they would from gum grafting.
Ami I a Candidate for Pinhole Gum Surgery?
Our doctors may recommend a patient for gum recession surgery if they have been diagnosed with receding gum lines. Receding gums not only affects a patient’s cosmetic appearance but also exposes their dental roots which can lead to disease or deterioration. If you are concerned that you may be a candidate for pinhole gum surgery, schedule an appointment with our office today so our team can provide you with the best plan of care.
Got a question?
No problem.
We will schedule your appointment with Winston-Salem Dental Specialists as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We value your time and do everything we can to stay on schedule and minimize your wait. While in our office, please enjoy your stay and have a nice beverage and relax in our serenity room; we also offer free wifi to take care of some business during your visit. We appreciate your understanding and patience when unpredictable appointment delays occur.
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Winston-Salem Dental Specialists is a member of the following professional organizations (not all doctors belong to all these organizations):
