What is a “Pin Hole Surgical Technique”?

1. What is a “Pin Hole Surgical Technique”? It is a surgical procedure that offers the least invasive of surgical procedures and options for treating gingivitis and gum recession. This procedure which is also referred to as “Lunchtime Gum Lift “or “Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation” technique merges together the methods of a conventional periodontal surgery and a channelled bone renewal technique, as an attempt to reverse the receding of the gums due to gingivitis. The way the Pin Hole Surgical Technique or PST procedure is conducted is by the creation of a tiny pin hole, this pinhole pierces the mucosa apical to the mucogingival junction in the region where the receding is occurring; special tools are then injected into a hole that lifts up the “flap” to the complete width in the apico-coronal direction. The question remains, how does the elevated periosteum remain in the recent coronal location without any sort of stitching to hold it in place? That would be with pieces of collagen membranes called collagen strips. These collagen strips have been used as a method connecting during these types of periodontal procedures for many years; these strips are essentially sections of a resorbable collagen membrane that has also been termed Bio- Gide (Geistlich Biomaterials). This pin hole surgical technique is a substantial variation from other customary procedures of gum grafting in that it is an aesthetic procedure. There are several reasons why a person’s gums may recede; the most common reason is gum disease, bruxism, and brushing the teeth and gums too hard. Age, genetics and even poor positioning of the teeth can cause gums to recede. Even tobacco use can cause your gums to recede. Most often a person will not even realize that their gums have started to recede due to how the process of gum receding is a slow one. The process of gum recession can cause holes or pockets to form which can also create ways for bacteria and tartar to build up within these holes in the teeth. When these

2. occurs, it can result in periodontal disease, the deterioration of bones, and eventually the loss of teeth. There are ways to treat the recession of one’s gums and most dentists will agree that the use of a pinhole surgery procedure is probably the best procedure. This pinhole procedure is done by creating tiny pinholes in the gums which will efficiently loosen the tissue surrounding the gums. By loosening the tissue surrounding the gums, this permits the teeth to move more easily within gums and safeguard the roots of the teeth to allow a healthier smile. Gum grafting is another procedure that dentists use to repair receding gum tissue. The gum grafts can come from another area of your mouth, a donor, or other synthetic tissues that are provided to repair the gums. If you are truly interested in protecting your teeth and gums from receding and remaining in a healthy condition, then you must remember to brush and floss your teeth on a regular routine; as well as visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure your oral health. Source: http://www.round-about.org/what-is-a-pin-hole-surgical- technique/