What is PST?
The Pinhole Surgical Technique PST™ is a procedure in which our Board Certified Specialist in Periodontics uses specialized instruments to make a small hole in your gum and add collagen material which stabilizes the area of gum recession. This new method is simple, minimally invasive, and no or minimal sutures.
PST™ was developed and patented by John Chao, D.D.S. It has been featured in the International Journal of Periodontics, one of the most prestigious dentistry journals in the world. This brief video helps explain pinhole gum surgery:
The video is resembling of the original method. The modified method which includes the securing sutures will be used in this clinic to achieve better outcome.
What Causes Gum Recession?
While gum recession is usually though to be a key symptom of gum disease, there are other causes. It can be the result of insufficient tooth brushing, overly aggressive tooth brushing, and overall poor oral hygiene. In addition, certain medications can affect gum health and result (or promote) gum recession. Gum recession can also be caused by orthodontic appliances such as ill-fitting braces or retainers which put pressure on the gums.
Why Choose Pinhole Gum Surgery?
Gum grafting doesn’t sound all that fun to most people, which is why the pinhole surgery technique has gained in popularity over the last couple of years. PST is minimally invasive and does not cut gum tissue, making it a far less painful alternative.
Traditionally, gum recession is treated using a connective tissue graft, which “harvests” gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and then sutures it to the affected area. Gum grafts have a recovery period of up to three weeks and many patients experience side effects that include: gum pain, swelling, and bleeding. Palatal tissue grafts also have a contrasting esthetic appearance (vs normal gum tissue) as the color and texture of roof tissue does not match that of your gums. Other methods, including donor tissues, may call for intricate suturing, which can lead to further complications and infection.
When done by the specialist in the field, gum grafting can of course be a successful means to treat gum recession, but if you’re a candidate for pinhole gum surgery, there really is no question as to which route you should take.
Recapping the Benefits of PST
- Non-invasive
- Reduces the side effects of gum surgery (bleeding, swelling, gum pain)
- Near-immediate cosmetic improvement
- Minimal incision and suture needed
- Accelerated recovery
- One visit can treat multiple areas of recession
If you have any concerns about possible gum recession, or are worried about the side effects of gum grafting, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to discuss the details and benefits of The Pinhole Surgical Technique PST™. Call our office in Vancouver, BC at Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic Phone Number 604-336-0958.
The results in the photographs are examples only and do not imply any certainty of the result of a procedure, and all outcomes are subject to the circumstances of the individual patient.