Discover the benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ used in our Brentwood dental practice

Gum disease treatment focuses on removing harmful bacteria so that infection is prevented or decreased. When periodontal pockets are formed by receding gums, bacteria can more easily move beneath the surface and toward bone tissue. To prevent extensive damage, we must find ways to reach bacteria in their hiding places, and also promote the regrowth of healthy gum tissue around the affected tooth or teeth. There are several ways in which receding gums can be treated, with the benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ used in our Brentwood practice standing out among various options.

Conventional treatments for receding gums

Typically, the problem of receding gums is addressed with deep cleanings, in mild cases. The more advanced gum disease becomes, the more aggressive treatment must be in order to repair the damaged caused to gums and bone tissue.

Deep cleaning for mild periodontal pockets may include scraping the tooth and root surfaces of a tooth. This process removes harmful bacteria and also smoothes out any divots or grooves that may be inviting to bacteria. Gum tissue that has been pulled away from the tooth for this procedure may then be sutured back into place to encourage reattachment to the treated tooth.

When gum recession becomes significant, soft tissue grafting may be recommended for an improved aesthetic. This surgical procedure involves grafting tissue from the roof of the mouth or from the gums near the affected tooth and suturing that tissue to affected gum tissue where recession has occurred.

An innovative new option

Traditional tissue grafting is an effective way to promote the regrowth of healthy new tissue. The problem with conventional treatment lies in patient experience. We believe in treating our patients with effective, minimally-invasive procedures that are as comfortable as possible. The Pinhole Surgical Technique™ facilitates these goals.

This procedure is special because its goal is to adjust existing tissue rather than replace it. Using a tiny needle, a small hole is made in the affected gum tissue. Special instruments are then passed through this hole to gently loosen tissue from the tooth, and to adjust the gum line upwards, over the exposed root structure. The Pinhole Surgical Technique™ does not require that we cut away healthy tissue to obtain a graft, nor does it call for sutures. The precision adjustment of existing tissue is comfortable and offers immediate and long term benefits such as:

• More comfortable procedure and recovery in this incision-free, suture-free procedure.


• Accelerated recovery compared to conventional soft-tissue grafting.


• Long lasting results look and feel natural because your own tissue has been readjusted.

Dr. Alkhoury is proud to offer Brentwood Family Dental patients outstanding care using the latest techniques. Contact us at (925) 344-5296 to learn more about how to prevent and treat gum recession.

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