North Texas Dentistry Volume 9 Issue 4 2019 ISSUE 4 DE | Page 10

comfort following the procedure, especially compared to auto-
genous grafting. During PST, a sterile 16-gauge hypodermic
needle is used to make small “pinholes” in the patient’s facial
mucosa, typically 5-10mm apical to the gingival margin. Spe-
cially designed instruments are introduced through the pinholes
to gently release the existing soft tissue and create a full-thick-
ness tunnel down to the tissue margin. The tissue is expanded
and released so that it can be easily coronally positioned to
cover the exposed root surfaces. A collagen barrier membrane
(Bio-Gide ® ) is cut into dozens of strips which are inserted
through the pinholes to stabilize the flap and begin the process
of regeneration of the connective tissue. Since no incisions are
needed with PST and no donor tissue is harvested from the
patient, the need for sutures is usually eliminated. “In PST, the
tissue is released so thoroughly that it naturally drapes down to
an excellent level when the collagen strips are inserted. Because
sutures are not required, the procedure can be completed in less
time. I continue to be pleased by the quality of the regenerated
tissue and extent of the root coverage, as well as minimal dis-
comfort most patients have following this procedure.”
Dr. Stewart is pleased to be able to offer a variety of options for
soft tissue grafting. “All of these techniques have their particular
strengths. I try to match the procedure to the patient’s individ-
ual need. In addition, after a thorough explanation of the poten-
tial risks and benefits, I make sure to consider the patient’s
concerns and expectations.”
Preoperative view of
gingival recession facial
to teeth #12-14
Eleven days post-op view
Four weeks post-op view
Seven weeks post-op view
10 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
The office of Dr. Daniel M. Stewart is located at 1001 Buckingham Road, Suite
108, Richardson, Texas 75081. For more information, call [phone] or
visit www.drdanstewart.com.
Daniel M. Stewart, DDS is a
graduate of the University of
Texas at Austin and Baylor
College of Dentistry. He served
six years in the U.S. Air Force
and completed periodontics
specialty training at the Univer-
sity of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill College of Den-
tistry before entering private
practice. Dr. Stewart has pro-
vided comprehensive peri-
odontal and dental implant
surgical care for North Texans in the Dallas area including the com-
munities of Lake Highlands, Richardson, Plano, Garland, Allen, Wylie,
Murphy, Sachse, Rowlett, and Rockwall for more than 30 years. His
practice emphasizes excellence in a wide variety of treatments while
providing patients the utmost in respect, integrity and kindness.
Four days post-op view