Is Pinhole Surgery a Good Option?

As with most newer techniques, our patients are cautiously optimistic about a technique called Pinhole Surgery. They are also curious about how well this technique can help repair receding gums. 

When your gum recedes, it leaves your teeth susceptible to damage, tooth sensitivity, tooth loss, and root exposure. Years ago, having a gum graft meant the dentist would remove skin from the top of your mouth and suture it in place to replace the problematic gum line. 

In the span of a few weeks, the grafted tissue heals and permanently adheres to the repaired gum line. A gum graft is not considered a major surgical procedure. The biggest drawbacks to gum grafts include: 

• Soreness from the treatment 

• Two sites in your mouth that need time to heal 

• Unevenness at your gumline where sutures held the graft in place 

• A recovery time of two or three weeks 

• Needing to repeat the process because only one section of damaged gums is repaired at a time. This is because there is a limited quantity of skin tissue available on the top of the mouth 


Our patients feel fortunate because gum grafts are not the lone choice to mend gums marred by periodontal disease. A treatment known as ‘Pinhole Surgery’ permits our dentist to correct your gums easily, and you do not need skin from your palate surgically attached to your gums. 

The procedure is not complicated and is typically complete in under two hours. After numbing your mouth with local anesthetic, our dentist makes a tiny hole in your gum. This is where the dentist places specialized dental tools to relax your gums gently, move them away from your jaw bone, and guide them towards the tooth root. Next, your gum tissue will stretch to cover the root of your tooth. There is no need for stitching because the skin clings in place, naturally. The procedure is complete, and you no longer need to be concerned about your roots. 

There are numerous benefits of pinhole surgery making the procedure superior to gum grafts. 

• Your results are noticeable nearly immediately 
• Your gums have a flawless look because there were no cuts or stitches 
• Little to no recovery time 
• No skin needs taken from the top of your mouth 
• It is possible to treat more than one area of your mouth 

If you are bothered by receding gums, feel free to reach out to our office. Our staff can help you set up an appointment, and you will be on your way to a gorgeous smile.