Pinhole Surgical Technique Success Rate

While there is some risk involved in undergoing any procedure, the Pinhole Surgical Technique has an extremely high success rate of over 90%. This is an equivalent success rate compared to the traditional gum grafting method. It is important to mention that a major factor that contributes to a prolonged success after the procedure is the level of oral hygiene the patient practices.

Patients are generally able to return to their regular daily activities immediately following the PST procedure. It is important, however, to avoid brushing or flossing for the first 24 hours following the procedure in order to give the gums adequate time to heal. Patients are also encouraged to follow a soft food diet for at least the first 24 hours following the procedure. After this 24 hour period, patients can start reintroducing more firm foods. There may be some mild discomfort during this period, but it is usually managed using an over-the-counter pain relief medication.

While PST is a fantastic treatment option which delivers successful results for patients who have gum recession, there are cases where PST may not be a possible treatment option for patients. This may occur in situations where there is not enough bone support for the tissue as a result of advanced bone loss. It is also important for the patient to be free from any periodontal disease and free of any inflammation before undergoing the procedure.

After the procedure, it is especially critical to maintain good oral hygiene practices in order to avoid things which may have contributed to the initial gum recession. This may include things such as aggressive brushing or unhealthy dietary habits. This helps to ensure the procedure is successful and also helps avoid similar issues from occurring in the future.

High Patient Satisfaction

In addition to having a very high success rate in regards to the procedure, the Pinhole Surgical Technique also has a high satisfaction rate with patients. This is largely due to the procedure being minimally invasive, not requiring sutures or scalpels, and because it provides almost immediate improved cosmetic results. Due to the procedure being minimally invasive, there is also significantly less risk of being impacted by surgical side effects.

Is Pinhole Surgical Technique Right For Me?

While PST has as high a success rate, there are several other factors which should be considered when deciding if PST is right for you. If any of the following criteria is applicable, discuss your options with your dentist to help determine if you may be a good candidate for the PST procedure:

• Experience significant tooth loss and desire to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile
• Extreme tooth sensitivity is present from the receding gums
• A sufficient amount of gum tissue is present adjacent to the areas of recession
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products
• Prefer a minimally invasive procedure with a reduced recovery time, but an equally high success rate

Proper Self-Care and Improved Success Rates

While PST has a high overall success rate, a critical factor in determining how effective the procedure is depends on good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits which are followed after the procedure is completed. This is especially importance for patients who are completing PST as a result of periodontal disease. To reduce your risk of experiencing similar issues in the future, follow the below oral hygiene best practices:

• Brush and floss teeth regularly: Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing daily are two effective methods to enjoy good oral health and reduce the risk of gum recession. It is also important to practice good brushing techniques. Brushing too aggressively or too often can cause the gums to recede. If you have developed gum recession from aggressive or frequent brushing, consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Healthy diet: To help lower your risk of gum recession, avoid foods that are starchy or high in sugar. If you do decide to drink a sugary beverages, make a habit of using a straw, when possible and rinsing your mouth with water when you are finished with the beverage.
• Regular dental visits: In addition to practicing good personal habits, another important step you should take to avoid developing gum recession is scheduling regular dental exams. For most patients, these exams should take place every six months or more frequently as needed. In addition to receiving a professional cleaning, these regular exams allow the dentist to monitor your overall oral health and to effectively address any issues that are identified.

Following these guidelines after the PST procedure helps to significantly increase the likelihood of having a successful treatment. These guidelines also help to significantly reduce your risk of developing gum recession in the future.

More on Pinhole Surgical Technique : Pinhole Gum Surgery FAQ