One of the most effective and least invasive treatments for gum recession is the microscope-based Pinhole surgical technique. Dr. Scott Kissel at his Manhattan, NY practice performs this technique to help his patients with receding gums. Unlike traditional gum grafting techniques, it is performed using a surgical microscope. The surgical microscope eliminates the need for the traditional invasive techniques that can cause pain and significant downtime. He is also able to minimize the risk of complications since the better one can see, the more knowledge one acquires, resulting in careful manipulation of tissues and critical anatomy. However, in addition to the pinhole technique, Dr. Kissel also offers his patients the option of microsurgical connective tissue graft techniques, when warranted, which go beyond repairing gum tissues. Connective tissue grafts can achieve a reformation of the gum tissue fibers inserting into the tooth – which is “regeneration.”
Gum Recession
If you are over the age of 65 you probably experienced receding gums, also known as gingival recession. Gum recession is the deterioration of gum tissue which results in the exposure of more of your tooth. As more of the tooth is exposed and even your tooth’s root, you will most likely experience pain and sensitivity. There is also the possibility that, over time, you may lose the exposed tooth. Your gums may recede due to genetics and your susceptibility to periodontal disease as well as improper dental care. It can also be caused by excessive and forceful brushing of your teeth.
The Pinhole Technique
Unlike traditional procedures, like soft-tissue grafting which takes gum tissue from the palate or another donor site, the Pinhole technique treats gum recession by simply pulling down the gum tissue bordering your tooth. This is performed by using collagen strips to restore your natural gum line. Over time, the body will absorb the collagen strips resulting in the desired goal of the procedure.
During the pinhole procedure, Dr. Kissel makes one or two pinholes in the gum tissue and carefully adjusts your gum tissue using precise microsurgical techniques to cover exposed roots. Then he secures the newly placed gum tissue with small biocompatible strips of collagen to keep gum tissue from moving around during healing. After your procedure, you will experience little to no discomfort normally experienced after gum grafting.
The Advantages of the Pinhole Technique
As already mentioned, the Pinhole technique is significantly less invasive than traditional soft-tissue grafting, this also means that it can also enable your periodontist to treat multiple teeth in one sitting, unlike grafting which requires multiple sessions if multiple teeth are affected. Consequently, you will save time and money!
Additionally, the healing process is much faster and less painful than grafting. In fact, Dr. Kissel’s patients who are nervous about their results or the time it will take to recover are always pleasantly surprised by how the Pinhole technique is relatively painless and results in your desired goals. In general, this procedure gives you a better overall result that allows you to heal much faster than a traditional gum graft.
The Benefits of Performing the Pinhole Technique with a Surgical Microscope
Dr. Kissel has been trained in microsurgery and applies the microsurgical philosophy when treating his patients. As a result, his patients receive a better and more precise diagnosis, planning, and treatment accuracy. Patients also experience very fast healing and little to no discomfort. All these benefits are at no additional cost to patients.
The microscope-assisted Pinhole technique is minimally invasive, but Dr. Kissel also recognizes that, initially, he must take the time to determine the most accurate periodontal and esthetic diagnosis and in order perform the most appropriate microsurgical treatment. With over 25 years of experience, he is able to perform the procedure with extreme precision thanks to his microscope which is able to magnify an image (24-48x) on a video screen. Your gum recession treatment will be performed without incisions or stitches and with minimal post-operative symptoms. There are also the benefits of a speedy cosmetic improvement and a significantly reduced possibility of future complications and additional treatments.
If you have receding gums, contact Dr. Kissel to book your consultation online or by calling his Manhattan periodontal office at 212-702-9088. Learn more about his training and experience in Pinhole and microsurgical techniques and how he can treat your receding gums with minimal discomfort.
