Treating Gum Recession With The Pinhole Technique

Periodontal disease can lead to discomfort and even bleeding gums. But did you know this could also cause recession? To help treat receding gums and improve both the health and beauty of your smile, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the Pinhole Surgical Technique.

The Causes and Dangers of Receding Gums

How do our gums recede? When we have periodontal disease and don’t seek treatment, this could cause the tissues to begin pulling away from the teeth. As they pull back, this exposes portions of the roots not protected by enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and eventually, tooth decay and toothaches. The teeth also appear longer than usual, and the risk of periodontitis increases, which can destroy attachment tissues and lead to adult tooth loss. Which is why you should see us if you notice recession starting to occur, so we can examine your smile and see if you need treatment with periodontic solutions like the Pinhole Surgical Technique.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique

A conservative alternative to traditional gum grafts, the Pinhole Surgical Technique only takes one visit to complete and the treated areas heal quickly. We don’t need to take tissues from other parts of your mouth’s interior. Instead, we will make a minuscule hole in the gums near the receded areas, and then add a special collagen material to the interior of the tissues, which allows us to manipulate them until they cover the teeth. We take time to ensure proper symmetry in the gums too, so you have an attractive smile. You can usually return to your normal routine after a day or two of rest.

Protecting Your Gum Health

To help protect your gum health and prevent further recession and other concerns, including tooth loss, you need to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Be sure you brush and floss daily, cut back on sugar and starch in your diet, and avoid tobacco products. Make time to see our team for routine care, including tooth cleanings, every three to four months. These actions help control harmful buildups on the teeth to reduce the severity of inflammation, so you avoid sore, red, and bleeding gums, and prevent issues like recession from happening.

If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat issues like this, or about the Pinhole Surgical Technique, then reach out to our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy good oral health and a beautiful smile in 2026!

Schedule Your Appointment for the Pinhole Surgical Technique

We’re ready to offer a solution to your receding gum tissues with a conservative treatment option. To learn more about treating your gum recession, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.