Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)
Welcome to Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA, a family periodontal dentistry practice.
Susan R.
Unhealthy gums can compromise your entire smile. Unfortunately, the first phases of gum disease happen so subtly, patients rarely notice. Tooth sensitivity and inflammation are some of the first signs of receding gums.
It’s important to treat receding gums as early as possible because the gums protect the tooth root from bacteria and their deterioration can leave teeth vulnerable to decay. Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA offers Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique as an alternative to gum treatments performed with scalpels and sutures. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that helps restore the gum line and is done quickly and comfortably, right in our office.
Ann Kearney Astolfi, DMD, PC makes a small hole in the gums using a special instrument and gently moves some of the loose tissue over the receded areas. This technique enables the gums to heal in their new position without the use of stitches, special gels, connective tissue grafts, or other materials.
This minimally invasive treatment for receding gums is an attractive alternative to traditional surgery and will help you feel confident knowing your smile’s future is secure.
Nervous?
We’ll help you relax.
Dental anxiety is very common. But, don't let it keep you from coming to our periodontal dentistry office for a visit. Missed care can lead to the need for more extensive and invasive work down the road.
At Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA, we want you to feel comfortable and at ease while we make sure your teeth and gums are getting the help they need. That’s why we offer an array of relaxing sedation options for our patients, ranging from gentle laughing gas to IV sedation.
Here’s how the process works:
Call to request a consultation.
Have a gentle
treatment.
Enjoy a
beautiful smile.
Post-Op Instructions – Pinhole Surgical Technique
What you can expect as a result of your Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure.
Post-Op Instructions
- NO BRUSHING OVER SURGICAL SITE
- NO FLOSSING AND NO WATERPIK
- NO TOUCHING THE AREA (with a finger, tongue or any other device/object)
- DO NOT USE cotton swabs, cloth or any other soft or hard object to clean area
- DO NOT sleep with you hands under your cheek where the surgery was done
- NO facial massages or no massaging that area of the face for any reason
- NO PULLING ON YOUR CHEEK TO PEEK: Do not obsess over worry about the appearance of gums for the first 6 weeks
- NO HEAVY RINSING/SWISHING with the mouthwash (no chipmunk cheeks)
- DO NOT play wind instruments
- DO NOT suck on straws
- DO NOT blow up balloons
- NO mints or chewing gum over surgical area
- NO spitting
- NO smoking of any kind or use of chewing tobacco
- NO clenching or grinding of the teeth. WEAR PRESCRIBED BITE APPLIANCE, if instructed. PLEASE BRING WITH YOU TO ALL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR TO CHECK (e.g., retainers, Invisalign, Snap On Smile, etc.)
- No heavy lifting or vigorous aerobic activity for the first 3 weeks
- No snorkeling for 6 months
- PLACE ICE OVER AREA at 20 minute intervals for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling
DO NOT BE ALARMED ABOUT SLIGHT SWELLING OR BRUISING FOR THE FIRST WEEK - DO NOT EAT crunchy or sticky foods that get stuck on or between your teeth
EXPECT cold sensitivity for the first 6 weeks or longer. PLEASE REPORT any sensitivity during post-operative visits - SLIGHT DISCOMFORT IS NORMAL; It is important to take the Motrin (Ibuprofen) 600mg as directed, one 600mg tab every 4-6 hours for the first 2 days and as needed after that
CALL US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE SUDDEN INCREASED PAIN, CONTINUOUS BLEEDING, OR HEAT FROM THE SURGICAL SITE - Patient MUST return to our office 1 week after surgery, 3 weeks after surgery, and 6 six weeks after surgery for post-operative visits
- AFTER THE 6TH WEEK, you may brush the surgical area with the special extra soft toothbrush given to you for the following 6 months
Call Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA today at 610.882.1501 to schedule an appointment!
Your local periodontal dentistry team: 2299 Brodhead Road, Suite F, Bethlehem, PA 18020.