Receding gums can be a concern for people who have a history of gum disease. In recent years, the Pinhole Surgical Technique has become a popular solution for this issue. But can everyone undergo the procedure, and are you a good candidate for PST? Please read this article to learn the answer to this question.

Am I a Good Candidate for PST?

In dentistry, PST stands for Pinhole Surgical Technique. During this procedure, a tiny hole is made in the gums to access and reposition the existing tissue. PTS is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure with a short recovery time that can significantly improve the appearance of receding gums in just one visit to a dental office.

A PST procedure can be suitable and beneficial for people who:

• Have a mild or moderate case of gum recession. Severe gum recession cases may not be suitable for this cosmetic procedure, as the technique is aimed at repositioning existing gum tissue and cannot create or add new tissue.
• Have sufficient jawbone density to support the gum tissue.
• Do not have active gum inflammation. Gum disease and infection must be treated and managed before the procedure.
• Have good general health, without systemic conditions that are likely to hinder healing (e.g., diabetes).
• Are ready to commit to proper aftercare and a habitual, efficient oral hygiene routine, including an at-home routine and regular dental visits?
• Do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking, as smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease and gum recession, and also hinders post-procedure healing.

Cases when the Pinhole Surgical Technique might not be the most effective option:

• Severe cases of gum recession occur when there is not enough gum tissue to work with.
• Cases of jawbone resorption and density loss.
• Active gum disease and inflammation.

What Happens During the PST Procedure

The procedure’s duration depends on the area treated. Typically, it can take 10 to 20 minutes to treat the area around one tooth.

At the beginning of the procedure, your doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic to block pain. As a result, patients typically experience no discomfort during the procedure. Once the anesthetic takes effect, a small hole, often just a pin’s width, is made in the gum tissue above the receding area. Then, your doctor will use a special dental instrument to gently loosen the gum tissue, stretch it, and slide it down to cover the exposed root surface. When the desired result is achieved, small collagen strips, derived from the patient’s own body or a donor, are placed under the gum to hold the tissue in its new position while it heals.

Pinhole Surgical Technique does not require sutures and causes minimal trauma to the gums.

Pinhole Surgical Technique Recovery

Many patients are able to return to work and other daily activities within 24 hours after the procedure. Complete healing is typically achieved within several days. To recover swiftly and without complications, patients are recommended to:

• Switch to a soft diet for the recovery duration
• Abstain from straining activities, smoking, and alcohol
• Get plenty of rest, including 8 to 9 hours of sleep every day
• Follow the special post-procedure oral hygiene regimen for the duration of recovery

During the first days of recovery, you might expect mild swelling and pain, which is typically easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen.

Receive a PST Procedure at LA Wilshire Perio

If you want to improve the appearance of receding gums, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at LA Wilshire Perio today. Our specialists will carefully examine your case to determine if this procedure is good for you and offer additional treatment if necessary. We are looking forward to your visit.