Gum Treatment
Procedures to reshape, restore, or repair your gum tissue
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Gum Treatment on the Big Island: Advanced Non-Surgical Solutions
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If you are dealing with bleeding, inflamed gums or are concerned about gum recession, you should know that modern periodontal care offers incredibly effective, minimally invasive solutions. At our Kailua-Kona practice, Dr. Sasan Garakani is a specialist dedicated to using the most conservative and comfortable methods to restore the health and beauty of your gums.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment: Stop Infection at the Source
The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, often shows up as red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a serious infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth. The goal of non-surgical treatment is to stop this process in its tracks before it requires surgery.
The Gold Standard: Scaling and Root Planing
The most effective non-surgical gum disease treatment on the Big Island is a procedure called Scaling and Root Planing. Think of it as a “deep cleaning” that goes below the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Scaling: Dr. Garakani or our skilled hygienist will carefully remove the plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial buildup from the deep pockets around your teeth.
Root Planing: The root surfaces are then gently smoothed. This helps prevent bacteria from re-attaching and allows your gums to heal and reattach to the clean tooth surface.
For patients in Kailua-Kona, this deep cleaning is the cornerstone of periodontal therapy and is often all that’s needed to manage early-stage gum disease and prevent the need for more complex surgery.
Treating Gum Recession: The “Scalpel-Free” Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Gum recession can make your teeth look long, cause sensitivity, and leave your roots vulnerable to decay. Many patients are hesitant to treat recession because they fear the idea of traditional grafting surgery. We are proud to offer a revolutionary, minimally invasive alternative.
The Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST®)
Dr. Garakani is one of the few specialists on the Big Island certified to perform the Pinhole® Surgical Technique. This breakthrough procedure is the answer for patients asking, “Can you fix gum recession without a graft?“
Here’s how it works:
A tiny, “pinhole” sized entry point is made in the healthy gum tissue above the receded area.
Specialized instruments are used through this pinhole to gently loosen the gum tissue.
The tissue is then guided down to cover the exposed roots, instantly correcting the recession.
The benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique are remarkable: it’s a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure with minimal discomfort and a much faster recovery than traditional methods.
Your Gum Specialist Serving the Entire Big Island
Whether you need a deep cleaning to control gum disease or are interested in the revolutionary Pinhole® technique, you can trust the expertise of a board-certified periodontist. From our Kailua-Kona office, we proudly serve patients from Hilo, Waimea, Waikoloa, and all surrounding communities.
Take the first step toward healthier gums. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
Your Four-Step
to a Balanced Smile
We’re here to guide you through each step of your treatment with care, clarity, and comfort—so you always know what’s ahead.
Step 1: Your Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation
Your journey begins with a detailed examination where Dr. Garakani assesses the health of your gums, measures any recession or pocket depths, and determines the ideal non-surgical treatment for you.
Step 2: Your Custom-Tailored Treatment Session
Whether you are having a therapeutic deep cleaning or the Pinhole® technique, your procedure is performed with a gentle touch and precision, focusing on your complete comfort.
Step 3: The Gentle Healing and Recovery Phase
Following your procedure, your gums will begin to heal and reattach to the teeth. You will receive simple aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth, quick, and comfortable recovery.
Step 4: Maintaining Your Long-Term Gum Health
At your follow-up visit, we will review your healing and provide you with a personalized plan to maintain your results and keep your gums healthy for life.
Our reputation
Decades of care, thousands of smiles
Preventive and routine treatments to keep your teeth, gums, and smile strong and healthy.
Need answers?
Most asked questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions we receive from patients like you.
Is non-surgical gum treatment painful?
No, your comfort is our top priority. For a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), the area is numbed with local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable and painless experience. For the Pinhole® Surgical Technique, only a tiny entry point is made, and patients report minimal discomfort, often comparing it to a slight puffiness that resolves quickly.
My gums bleed, but they don't hurt. Do I really need treatment?
Yes, absolutely. Bleeding gums are a primary sign of active gum disease (gingivitis). While it may be painless at first, this infection can silently progress, leading to permanent bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Treating it early with non-surgical therapy is the easiest and most effective way to protect your long-term oral health.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning is a preventive procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line. A deep cleaning is a therapeutic treatment for active gum disease that goes below the gum line to remove the deep pockets of bacteria and tartar that are causing infection and bone loss.
How is the Pinhole® Surgical Technique different from a traditional gum graft?
The Pinhole® technique is a revolutionary, scalpel-free and suture-free method. It uses a tiny entry point to gently reposition your existing gum tissue. A traditional graft, in contrast, typically involves taking a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitching it into place, which involves a longer and more uncomfortable recovery.
Is gum treatment covered by my dental insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Scaling and root planing is a standard therapy for gum disease and is often covered by dental insurance. The Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a newer, advanced procedure, and its coverage can vary. Our team will help you review your benefits and provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.
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Dr. Garakani is excellence at its best. I have known by experience you can trust him with special gratitude and a thankful heart.
Katherine Patterson
Returning patient