Pinhole Technique

Gingival recession is unsightly. When this occurs, your gums have been pushed back, making your teeth appear longer. Over time, the recession reaches the point that your roots begin to be exposed, causing your discomfort and pain. A recession is generally caused by a variety of factors. These include aggressive brushing (either for too long or brushing too hard) with a manual or electric toothbrush. Poor teeth alignment or advanced gum disease can also be contributing factors in the development of gingival recession.

Sensitivity associated with gingival recession is challenging to treat because most treatment options require gum grafts and invasive periodontal surgery. A gum graft requires a specialist to remove tissue from the roof of your mouth and then surgically place it over the area of recession. Not only does the graft take a while to heal, it might require future procedures as well. Fortunately, there is a simpler solution.

Developed by Dr. John Chao, the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PTS) is a noninvasive way to repair recession. This means that the roof of your mouth will not need to be removed, and you will not need stitches to keep the graft in place.

First, your gum tissue is numbed just as if you were getting a filling. Then a small hole is made in your gum tissue above the recession. Using special instruments, the tissue around the tooth is carefully loosened and guided over the receded area of gum tissue. The benefit of PST is there are no incisions, no stitches, and no complex and hard to follow instructions after the procedure. The best part is that the results are noticeable immediately. Now you will be able to smile with confidence, and enjoy cold or hot foods without sensitivity. There is no longer a need for invasive gum surgery. Talk with our qualified team today about this option and restore your smile to its full shine.

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST®), invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S., is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession.

This procedure is performed by making a small hole with a needle in the gum tissue. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth. Since there is no incision or suturing, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Most patients also are pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement.

To learn more about the Pinhole Surgical Technique, please contact our office 602-840-5300.