What is Pinhole Gum Grafting?

There are many things a lot of people dread hearing when we have to go to the dentist and one of those most daunting things can undoubtedly bee being told that the only way to resolve your receding gums is to have your teeth removed and replaced with dentures.

This isn’t the sort of news anyone wants to hear and definitely isn’t the news that we want to give to our patients at The Neem Tree. There are ways of improving the effects of gum recession before this drastic step is required. Over the last few years a new technique has been developed called the pinhole surgical technique. 

So, Why do I Need a Gum Graft?

A gum graft is a necessary procedure in order to protect your teeth from the increasingly damaging effects of gum recession. A gum graft could also be done as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of your smile. 

Gum recession is the process in which the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away from your tooth. This means that the gums begin to recede back, exposing more of the tooth and the tooth’s root. As more of your tooth gets exposed, it means that your tooth is more vulnerable to decay and well as more sensitive and prone to abrasion. 

Pinhole ® Breakthrough Treatment for Our Patients!

Pinhole gum rejuvenation is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession. A revolutionary procedure to treat gum recession in as little as one visit with no sutures, no scalpels and no palatal grafting! 

Pinhole Gum Grafting at The Neem Tree

If your gums begin to recede, your dentist may decide that a pinhole gum grafting procedure is necessary. Pinhole gum grafting allows our specialist dentists to gently stretch the existing gum to cover the exposed root of the tooth. 

What Happens in a Pinhole Gum Graft?

The procedure is performed by making small pin-sized holes in the gum tissue using specially designed instruments. The gum tissue is then loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth, making your gums cover the root of the tooth, back to how they used to look. 

Does Pinhole Gum Grafting Hurt? 

The treatment should be pain free. The procedure itself is non-invasive which is what makes it a great option to treat receding gums. During the treatment you will be under anaesthetic so you will not feel any pain however, some patients may feel mild discomfort. As the procedure requires no suturing, there should only be mild discomfort afterward. 

The Best Part About a Pinhole Gum Graft?

Since there are no incisions needed, patients who go through this process can expect minimal postoperative symptoms such as swelling, pain or bleeding. Pinhole gum grafting does not require stitches and is much more comfortable and non invasive in comparison to other, similar alternatives. Most patients are also very pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement. To learn more about the procedure or any of the options available to you contact us at The Neem tree. 

What is the Pinhole Gum Grafting Process?

To begin the procedure, a local anaesthetic is usually used. The procedure usually takes an hour to complete. The process does not involve any pain, but some patients may experience a slight feeling of discomfort. 

After the anaesthetic has been administered, a 2mm hole is made using a needle. This is done above the gum, close to the inside of the cheek. The dentist then loosens the gum tissue from the jaw bone.

A needle will then manipulate the gum gently downwards to its correct position following the tooth’s normal curvature where the tooth’s natural enamel joins the root. After this, collagen strips are placed as they are materials that offer elasticity to the skin. The strips are placed into the gum using the first incision to give the area bulk and offer support. 

Using the dentists fingers, mild pressure is then exerted to manipulate the gum into its correct position. This is done as it helps the gum bind to the nearby bone’s surface. Stitches are not necessary for such a small pinhole incision, it will heal naturally without any medicinal help from your dentist. 

Pinhole Gum Grafting Costs

Pinhole Gum Grafting starts from £1250 at the Neem Tree.

Contact us today to find out more about our Pinhole Gum Grafting services from our practices in Esher, Surrey or Wandsworth, South West London.