Soft Tissue Grafting
What Is a Soft Tissue Graft?
A soft tissue graft is used when there has been a significant amount of gum recession in a particular area. Slight gum recession can usually be fixed with a few changes to your oral hygiene routine to take better care of your teeth and gums. When the gingiva recedes further, it exposes you to a greater risk of infection and bacterial penetration. You will likely be more sensitive to hot and cold foods when you have receding gums. If the gums recede enough to expose the root, you can set yourself up for more serious problems. The root is softer than the enamel, making it more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque.
To restore proper gum level and functionality, a soft tissue graft can be performed. This is done by either removing soft tissue from the roof of the mouth or repositioning healthy gum tissue from adjacent teeth. This procedure is very predictable and has a high success rate. This procedure should be performed before more serious problems develop and periodontal surgery is necessary.
Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique: A Breakthrough Treatment for Gum Recession
Here at Triangle Family Dentistry, Dr. Chris Lee has received the training required to become a Pinhole Academy Certified Dentist. This designation is required to perform this revolutionary procedure.
While Dr. Lee performs this procedure in our Wake Forest location, it doesn’t matter which Triangle Family Dentistry office you normally visit; we’d be happy to schedule an appointment for you in our Wake Forest office with Dr. Lee! Just contact us to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.
When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness.
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, created by Dr. John Chao, is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture-free.
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts to rebuild the gumline. The soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed.
While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better guest experience can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
To perform this procedure, Dr. Lee uses a needle to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.
There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue.
Some of the benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique include:
- Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results
- Less discomfort for the guest after treatment
- Faster recovery for the guest than traditional grafting
- No need for uncomfortable sutures
- No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools
- No need to take donor tissue from the guest’s palate
Watch How the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is Performed
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