What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss. The disease starts out mildly enough, with inflammation in your gums caused by bacteria. Called gingivitis, this condition may cause your gums to bleed when you brush and render them swollen or tender. If your gingivitis goes untreated, the bacteria can spread deeper beneath your gum line, causing periodontitis. With periodontitis, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, leaving pockets that attract more bacteria and debris, which can lead to serious infection.
As the disease progresses, the bacteria eat away at your connective tissue and bone, eventually leading to the loss of your teeth.
The good news is that there are steps you can take in every stage of gum disease that halt and reverse the condition. The key is to have a dentist like Dr. Prat in your corner who has the necessary experience and training to provide you with the best treatments.
What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique™?
Dr. Prat turns to the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ to prevent your gums from receding without the need for grafts. The procedure is minimally invasive and delivers results that save your teeth and gums from further damage.
Before the procedure, Dr. Prat administers a local anesthetic or oral conscious sedation to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the gum surgery. To start, he makes a small hole in your gum tissue and uses a special instrument to gently loosen and reposition viable gum tissue in the areas of recession. Then he places collagen strips on your gums to promote healing.
What are the advantages of the Pinhole Surgical Technique™?
Patients benefit from the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ in many ways, including:
- Immediate cosmetic improvements
- Minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum recession surgery
- No incisions or stitches
- No second surgical site
- No swelling, bleeding, or pain associated with traditional gum surgery
- Quicker recovery and healing times
- Several teeth can be treated in one visit
Ultimately, with the Pinhole Surgical Technique™, Dr. Prat is able to halt your gingival recession and restore your gum health without resorting to more complicated surgical solutions, giving you something to really smile about.
To find out whether you’re a candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique™, call The Dental Touch or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
