At Periodontal and Implant Associates, the process begins by cleaning and numbing the gums. Small holes are then made in the gum tissue and special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue.

Through these holes the gums are lifted, and strips of collagen are placed beneath them. Collagen is the main structural protein found in fibrous tissue such as skin, ligaments, and bone and it provides elasticity and strength.

The collagen strips will allow your gum tissue to regrow and support your teeth, restoring your oral health and giving your gums a natural appearance.

The duration of your session will vary depending on how many teeth need repairing.

It generally takes around 10-20 minutes to treat the tissue for a single tooth, and typically the entire procedure can be completed in about one to two hours.

Pinhole gum rejuvenation is expected to be permanent with proper oral care.

If general oral care is maintained and one avoids overbrushing, the gums will remain strong and healthy and look great for many years.

Pinhole Surgery is not meant to cure gum disease. It is meant to restore the gum line back to a normal appearance. Any treatment for gum disease must be done prior to having this procedure.

The Chao pinhole technique is less invasive than the traditional gum grafting method and requires no cutting or sutures, which means there is only minimal discomfort for the patient.

We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before treatment. You may experience tenderness after your procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication.

If you have further concerns about pain, talk to us about our sedation dentistry options.

While the length of time required for this treatment may vary depending on how many teeth need treatment, in most cases the pinhole technique can be completed in a single visit.

A good candidate for pinhole gum surgery would be in overall good health but is suffering from gum recession.

You are likely a good candidate for Pinhole surgery if:

• Your receding gums are more of an aesthetic issue than they are a dental health issue.
• You do not smoke or vow to quit smoking.
• You are in good health.
• You desire a minimally invasive alternative to conventional gum surgery that requires no scalpels or sutures.

You may not be a suitable candidate for Pinhole surgery if:

• You have been diagnosed and have untreated periodontal disease or other oral health problems such as an active gum infection or tooth decay.
• You do not have an ample amount of gum tissue remaining to use for the technique - a certain amount of gum tissue is required for the technique to be successful. In this case you may be a better candidate for gum grafts.
• If you are currently a smoker you should stop smoking if you are interested in this procedure.

The recovery time for pinhole gum surgery typically takes only one day.

Since there are no incisions made during this gum recession treatment method, the holes in your gums heal reasonably quickly.

Patients usually experience minimal-to-no discomfort following the procedure. However, we recommend that patients avoid brushing or flossing the affected area for 24 hours. You can gently brush the teeth that have not had the surgery with a soft bristled brush to avoid any unwanted pain or inflammation.

We also ask that you avoid any sticky or crunchy foods and stick to soft foods until the area fully heals.

The cost of Pinhole surgery is about the same as the standard gum grafting procedures, but without the cutting, pain, and downtime. Since all of the teeth can be treated in one session, only one office may be necessary.

While dental insurance will usually cover all types of gum therapy that are considered medically necessary, if you are seeking pinhole gum surgery for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered under your plan.

We recommend that our patients contact their insurance provider before their gum recession treatment. You are welcome to contact our office with any questions you may have about your insurance coverage, or if you will need help filing a claim.

We also have financing options available through our office.