Frequently Asked Questions About Pinhole Surgery

Should I Have the Procedure?
If your gums are receding, the chances are excellent that you can benefit from Pinhole Surgery.

What Can I Do to Prepare?
Your teeth need to be clean before we can do the procedure. So, schedule a cleaning with our office a week before your treatment. However, it is very important that have a consultation with our dentist. This consultation will give us a chance to explain the procedure to you, and to discuss aftercare requirements. Also, it is vital that we discover why your gums are receding. We need to address the cause of your gum recession, and work together on a solution

Will the Procedure Hurt?
Our dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area he will treat. The procedure should be pain free. The procedure itself is non-invasive, and requires no suturing, so there should be only mild discomfort afterward. If you have further concerns about pain, or are experiencing anxiety about your appointment, talk to us about our sedation dentistry options.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
Your actual recovery time will be approximately one day, since this is not a surgical procedure and the holes in your gums will heal quickly. Things should be back to normal within hours of your treatment. Some people may experience minor irritation or tenderness when brushing for a few weeks, while others have reported some minor pain and inflammation. We will give you information about what to do after your procedure, and we may ask you not to brush for a certain period of time. While you should be able to return to your regular diet the evening after your procedure, you may want to limit your menu to foods that won’t irritate your gums for a few days.

How Many Visits Will I Need?
In most cases, the treatment can be completed in a single visit. It takes approximately 10-20 minutes to treat the tissue for a single tooth. However, the length of time required for treatment will vary between people, and depends on how many teeth need to be treated.

How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of Pinhole Surgery is roughly the same as a gum graft. However, in some cases, it might be less expensive than a graft. Some of the factors that will affect the cost of your procedure include the severity of your condition and number of teeth than need to be treated. We can discuss your particular needs during your consultation.

Will My Insurance Cover the Procedure?
Because Pinhole Surgery is a periodontal procedure, most insurance plans will cover it. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider prior to having the procedure done. In addition to finding out if the procedure is covered under your plan, ask what documentation will need to be submitted at the time of your claim. You are welcome to contact our office with any questions you may have about your coverage, or if you will need help filing a claim. We also have financing options available through our office.