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HEALTHY MAGAZINE
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new options for GUM RECESSION Dr. Ryan McNeil at Midvale Family Dental, offers a new procedure called the Pinhole Surgical Technique™, the latest treatment to correct gum recession. Gum recession can cause discomfort, sensitivity, an increased risk of root cavities, and a noticeably less attractive smile. Recessed gums have the potential to wreak havoc on your smile and overall well-being, but patients frequently reject the traditional treatment for gum recession because the extent of traditional corrective surgery and the often painful downtime and recovery. Traditionally, the procedure recommended to treat gum recession is called a gum graft - a technique where gum tissue is cut from the roof of your mouth and then stitched over the teeth with recession. This surgical technique often requires a lengthy recovery, and if more than 2 or 3 teeth are in need of treatment, multiple surgeries may be required to repair extensive gum recession. Now, at Midvale Family Dental, Dr. McNeil, offers Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™, a no-stitch, no-scalpel, downtime-free technique to treat gum recession. Performed with a pin-like instrument, the pinhole surgical technique takes just a few minutes per tooth. Using a single pinsized entry point to treat multiple teeth, the specially designed tool loosens the gum tissue, moving the gum on top of the exposed roots. Collagen strips are then placed through the entry point to keep the gums in place during the healing process. Results are immediate and the pinpoint-sized entry heals within 24 hours without the need for stitching. Post-op, patients report only mild swelling and very little downtime is needed with most returning to work the next day.
Traditional Vs. Surgical Technique GUM GRAFTING
PINHOLE SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Surgical Procedure
Usually an incision is made on roof of your mouth to extract gum tissue, sometimes an alternative donor source is used. Must create an incision in palate to extract gum tissue, then gum tissue is sewn atop exposed roots.
Small, pinhole sized entry point is used to glide gums over area of exposed roots. Collagen strips are placed to keep gums in place.
Amount of Teeth Treated
Only a few teeth can be treated at a time.
Numerous teeth can be treated in one visit.
Length of Surgery
90+ minutes
Less than an hour
Recovery Time
Up to 10 days for stitches
Virtually no recovery time
ABOUT THE DR. MCNEIL
Dr. Ryan S. McNeil, D.D.S Midvale Family Dental PC MidvaleFamilyDental.com
Dr. McNeil was the first doctor trained and certified to perform the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™ procedure. If you would like to learn more about this procedure or find out if you are a candidate, www.midvalefamilydental.com
54 HEALTHY UTAH
Healthy-Utah.com