Gum recession is a common dental problem, but the solutions can seem complex. One of the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments available is the Pinhole® Surgical Technique. To clear up some of the most common questions about this procedure, Dr. Joe Nemeth recently sat down for a Q&A session.
If you’ve been wondering about the Pinhole technique, its purpose, its cost, and whether you can just leave your recession untreated, here are the answers you need.
First, Does the Pinhole Technique Strengthen Teeth?
While the Pinhole technique isn’t designed specifically to strengthen teeth, it does help stabilize them. The main goal of the procedure is to thicken the gum tissue.
As Dr. Nemeth explains, when gum tissue is thicker and healthier, it helps to stop or slow down further gum recession. Since the bone recedes right along with the gum tissue, halting this process is the most critical step. Losing bone is what makes teeth get looser and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
So, by creating thicker, more resilient gum tissue, the Pinhole technique:
- Helps stabilize the teeth.
- Stops the progressive loss of the bone that supports your teeth.
- Covers exposed roots, which can reduce sensitivity and improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile.
The primary mission is to stop the damage in its tracks.
How Much Does the Pinhole Technique Cost?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The cost of the Pinhole Surgical Technique varies significantly from one dental office to another and depends heavily on the patient’s specific needs.
According to Dr. Nemeth, the cost is determined by the number of teeth being treated and the severity of the recession. In his Southfield, MI, practice, the cost for Pinhole surgery can range anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Pinhole Technique?
Insurance coverage for the Pinhole technique can be complicated.
- Some insurance plans will cover a portion of it. However, Dr. Nemeth cautions that most plans have an annual limit, often capping out at $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000. This is rarely enough to cover the total cost of the procedure.
- Some insurance plans will not cover it at all, especially if they classify the procedure as “cosmetic.”
Coverage depends entirely on your specific insurance provider and your plan. It is very rare for insurance to cover the full cost of treatment.
“My Gums Don’t Hurt.” Can I Leave Gum Recession Untreated?
This is a dangerous misconception. Pain is not a reliable indicator of a serious dental problem. You can have progressive gum recession and bone loss without feeling any pain at all.
Dr. Nemeth is clear: “An indication to have recession treated is recession.”
When the gum recedes, the bone is receding with it. Even if it doesn’t hurt, your teeth are losing their vital support structure. Over time, this makes them weaker and looser, putting you in danger of eventually losing those teeth. Waiting for pain is not an option; the real issue is the silent, progressive loss of gum and bone.
Can You Treat Recession on the Backside of Teeth (e.g., From a Tongue Ring)?
Yes, this type of recession can and should be treated, but it presents a greater challenge. Dr. Nemeth frequently sees patients with severe recession on the back of their lower front teeth, often caused by a tongue ring constantly hitting the area.
While this can be treated to get thicker, healthier gum tissue, achieving full root coverage is much more difficult than on the outer surfaces of the teeth. The tissue on the inside of the mouth is simply not as mobile. However, if the recession is severe, treatment should not be neglected to prevent further damage. And as a preventative note: Dr. Nemeth strongly advises against tongue rings to avoid this very problem.
The Bottom Line: A Healthier Mouth for a Healthier Body
Taking care of gum recession is about more than just your teeth; it’s about your overall health. As Dr. Nemeth always says, “We can guarantee that your body will be healthier if your mouth is healthy.”
If you’re concerned about gum recession, the first step is a professional evaluation. To schedule your appointment, contact us today.