San Francisco, CA dentist explains the pinhole surgical treatment for gum recession from periodontal disease
When San Francisco, CA patients have a diagnosis of periodontal disease, treatment doesn’t end once the condition has been successfully managed. For many patients, the gum recession that occurred from the disease can impact the health and appearance of the smile. Instead of soft tissue gum grafting, patients are often excited to learn that Dr. Leo Arellano is a dentist who offers another option for treatment: Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®.
What is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®?
Dr. Leo Arellano describes the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique® as a treatment for patients who have experienced gum recession from periodontal disease. Once the doctor is able to stabilize the patient’s periodontal health, he can then make a recommendation for treatment. This method of treatment is best used for patients who do not have more advanced cases of recession, as traditional gum grafting may be more suitable for their needs.
This unique technique is achieved with the use of specialized instruments. By creating a tiny pinhole in the gum tissues, Dr. Leo Arellano can then use these special instruments to pull the gum tissue over the receded areas to restore the natural gum line and cover the exposed roots of teeth. This treatment does not require scalpels or sutures, making it a much less invasive alternative for patients who may otherwise consider conventional methods.
What are the benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®?
Using this unique treatment, patients will enjoy many benefits:
- Minimally invasive solution
- No incisions or suturing
- No grafting of soft tissues from the roof of your mouth
- Avoids the use of donated or cadaver tissue
- Fast solution
- Effective treatment
- Affordable option
- Virtually painless
- Short recovery period
- Same-day results
What patients can expect after their treatment
After the procedure, many patients will have sensitive gums that are easily irritated with brushing. During the first few weeks following the procedure, patients will be prescribed a specific mouthwash to use instead of brushing the teeth and causing unwanted irritation. Patients may also need to eat soft foods for a short period following the surgery. Any discomfort that develops from the procedure can be easily managed with most over-the-counter pain-relieving medications. Patients will schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Leo Arellano, during which the healing process is monitored. If patients experience any signs of infection or have other problems following their procedure, they are urged to get in connect with their dentist to determine if an appointment needs to be scheduled.
Who is a candidate for Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®?
The best candidates for this procedure are patients who have mild to moderate gum recession caused by periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, a stressful bite, or one’s genetic tendencies. Patients should have their condition managed with their dentist before considering reconstructive surgical options such as this. Dr. Leo Arellano can evaluate a patient during a consultation to decide if this procedure is best for their needs.
What other options are available?
While many patients find that Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique® fits their needs, others may have too severe of a condition to treat in this manner. Conventional methods of grafting gum tissue require the patient to have a strip of gum tissue typically harvested from the roof of the mouth placed over or underneath the gum tissue in the gum recession area. This method uses scalpels and incisions that require sutures and extended healing time that many patients want to avoid. So, if patients cannot have the pinhole option performed on their gums, they need to consider an alternative solution such as this. If needed, Dr. Leo Arellano is also skilled at other traditional gum grafting procedures, or he can refer patients to other dental specialists in the San Francisco, CA community.
Why should I restore my gum line after the gum recession?
Although tooth loss from progressive gum recession is possible, the more common reasons to treat gum recession that exposes root surfaces are:
- Difficult Oral Hygiene – The change in the shape of the gums tends to trap more food and plaque and makes it more difficult to perform good oral hygiene which can lead to
- Root Sensitivity – Root sensitivity can be the first sign that a cavity might be forming. The discomfort may result in avoiding certain foods or drinks, and in not being able to toothbrush the area thoroughly
- Root Cavities – Difficult or inadequate oral hygiene usually results in more cavities. Cavities on the root surfaces are more difficult to treat successfully and can lead to the need for root canal treatment.
- Gum Disease – Difficult oral hygiene also contributes to gum disease called periodontitis that leads to more gum recession.
- Aesthetics – The appearance of your smile may be negatively affected if the exposed roots of teeth and the subsequent gaps between teeth can be seen when you talk or smile. This is where the expression “long in the tooth” describes the appearance of this gum disease condition that occurs over time as we age.
- Loose Teeth – Most dentists and their patients are concerned only about controlling “deep gum pockets and bleeding gums.” But consider that whenever there is gum recession, that means there is no bone supporting the tooth in that area; and progressive recession means more bone is being irreversibly lost whether or not there is bleeding or a deep gum pocket. This can lead to tooth looseness.
- Tooth Loss – Finally, tooth loss occurs when there is insufficient bone to support a tooth. This condition is a common reason why people need dentures as they get older.
Early treatment can help prevent tooth loss and maintain your teeth and smile in optimal comfort, health, function, and appearance.
Learn more about pinhole surgery with Dr. Leo Arellano
San Francisco, CA patients who are interested in discussing gum recession treatment following periodontal disease are welcome to request a visit with Dr. Leo Arellano. The clinic is located at 3030 Geary Boulevard, and the front office team can be reached at 415-881-4343.
