Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation: An Overview
Gum recession is when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth slowly begins to wear away or pull back, exposing the tooth root. Receding gums is a common issue for many patients. There are several causes, and it does not always result from poor oral hygiene.
It can be caused by hormonal changes, aggressive brushing, teeth clenching or grinding, or injury to the gums. Most often, though, receding gums are caused by periodontal disease. The good news is we can treat it with a new, minimally invasive procedure.
Dr. Raj Upadya is proud to be one of the first dentists in New Jersey to offer an innovative, minimally invasive treatment to repair receding gums. This new procedure, known as Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation or Lunchtime Gumlift™, was developed by Dr. John Chao of Alhambra, CA.
What makes the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™ so revolutionary is that it treats gum recession without incisions or sutures.
This revolutionary procedure is completed in our East Hanover office in about an hour, under local anesthesia and with practically no downtime. Since no cutting or stitching is necessary, you can expect very little post-operative symptoms like bleeding, swelling, or pain. The best part is, that the results can be seen immediately.
What is Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation?
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is a patented, minimally invasive, microsurgical procedure for treating receding gums and a wonderful alternative to traditional gum grafting.
Using a special tool, Dr. Upadya can gently reshape the gums without cutting or suturing, and patients can leave our office with minimal discomfort and the ability to return to their normal routine almost immediately.
Minor swelling, redness, and tenderness is common and can be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication. You can return to light, normal activities about 48 hours after the procedure.
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation: What to Expect
East Hanover dentist Dr. Raj Upadya is committed to staying on the leading edge of dentistry. Preventive dentistry is always the ideal, but when problems or disease is present, Dr. Upadya looks to find the most conservative treatments that will yield results with the highest health and aesthetic benefits.
Dr. Upadya is a member of an inaugural group of dentists to undergo training with Dr. John Chao and was certified to offer the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation technique in January 2014. There are only 150 dentists worldwide with this certification, making Dr. Upadya one of just a few dentists on the East Coast experienced in this gum recession treatment.
Combined with his experience in cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry, Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation allows Dr. Upadya to offer patients more conservative treatments for complex dental concerns.
The animation bellow shows the difference between traditional gum grafting procedures and the new Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique. Traditional gum grafting surgery requires tissue to be removed from the roof of the mouth and grafted onto the gums.
The process for the “Lunchtime Gumlift” is quite different. Los Angeles dentist Dr. Chao developed a special technique and instrument that only requires a “pinhole” incision to enter the gums and massage the tissue over the receded part of the tooth.
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation FAQs
How long do gum rejuvenation results last?
Gum rejuvenation with the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation technique, or Lunchtime Gumlift™, is permanent. There is no need to visit for recurring treatments. You may need to visit for follow-ups.
Will gum rejuvenation fix my bleeding gums?
No. Gum rejuvenation does not fix bleeding gums, gum disease, and periodontitis. It is only used cosmetically for lifting your gums so you do not have a gummy smile. Seek periodontal treatment if your gums bleed regularly.
Is pinhole gum rejuvenation covered by insurance?
No. This procedure is considered an elective cosmetic dental service. Most dental insurance providers will not cover elective procedures that do not directly fix functional issues. Contact your insurance provider directly to see if they will cover part of the cost.
How quickly can I get back to normal after gum rejuvenation?
The gum rejuvenation procedure is fairly quick and painless. You will begin to see results after the swelling has gone down. You can use your mouth normally after about 48 hours.
When can I brush my teeth after pinhole surgery?
After pinhole surgery, wait to brush the treated area of your mouth. Patients can brush other areas but should wait two days after surgery before addressing the area where the procedure was performed.
How long does swelling last after pinhole gum surgery?
After pinhole surgery, swelling typically lasts anywhere from 6-10 days. Ice is a great way to reduce swelling during this time.