The Chao Pinhole Surgery Technique | Periodontal & Implant Associates

Introducing The Chao Pinhole Surgery Technique for Receding Gums

The Chao Pinhole Surgery Technique

A breakthrough technique for fast, effective, and minimally invasive gum recession treatment

 

Our mission at Periodontal & Implant Associates has always been to provide superb periodontal and implant dentistry in a relaxed and caring environment, so we are excited to offer this gentler and revolutionary minimally invasive gum recession treatment.

Periodontal & Implant Associates are currently among only a handful of doctors in the United States trained and licensed to perform this breakthrough treatment. The Pinhole gum surgery procedure has been tested over a period of several years with outstanding results.

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is now available in our offices in:

Livingston, Montclair, Montville, Morristown, and Succasunna

To make an appointment, call our nearest office or request an appointment online.

What is gum recession?

Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur for multiple reasons including periodontal disease, the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.

When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This allows tooth decay and other problems which can affect the teeth along and beneath the gumline.

Healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, so having gum recession treated is important for your lasting dental wellness.

 

What is the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. The Pinhole Technique was created by Dr. John Chao, who has been performing this procedure with great results since 2006 and has personally trained our doctors.

This technique uses no cutting and sutures like traditional gum grafting. Instead, gum shrinkage is repaired through a small pinhole in the gums. Through this hole, a specialized instrument is used to lift the gum tissue away from the bone and tooth. The gums are gently slid to their proper position on the gum line.

Collagen strips are then inserted into the pinholes and pushed under the gums to cover any previously exposed root structures. This collagen causes the body to regenerate more collagen tissue and assists in covering the roots and a quick healing process.

There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

What are the Benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?

The standard procedure for restoring gum recession involves soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gumline. This required the use of donor tissue or cutting out a graft of the gum from the patient’s own palate and grafting it to where it's needed.

This process of cutting and removing the graft tissue and attaching it with sutures creates two surgical wounds for the patient. Gum grafting can take an hour or more for just one or two teeth and about two weeks for the patient to recuperate.

The advantage of The Pinhole Surgical Technique is that no surgical graft is needed. Instead, a tiny pinhole is made by a needle with no scalpel or cutting involved at all. This surgery is minimally invasive with no open wounds and little trauma to the tissues.

By the next day, the tiny pinhole shrinks away and there is hardly any evidence of the surgery except for a healthier smile.

While this traditional gum grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

  • Less discomfort for the patient during treatment

    Unlike conventional gum recession surgery there is no need for scalpels or sutures, and as is not necessary to remove tissue from the patient’s palate.
  • Significantly less treatment time compared with the conventional receding gum surgeries

    The Pinhole Surgical Technique can address multiple locations in one sitting which allows a patient to have their full mouth treated at once. This saves the patient time and money.
  • Less discomfort for the patient after treatment

    As there is no cutting, stitching, or grafts required, the patient can expect minimal bleeding, swelling, or pain after the pinhole gum rejuvenation treatment.
  • Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting

    Traditional grafting techniques may take up to three weeks to heal, the healing process with Pinhole surgery is significantly faster and more comfortable than gum grafting so our patients experience less discomfort as well as instant cosmetic results.
  • Restores the natural look of your gumline

    The pinhole technique restores the natural look of the gum line and teeth immediately with minimal swelling following treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique

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.

The award-winning dentists at Periodontal & Implant Associates are committed to excellence and exceeding the expectations of our patients.

The periodontists at Periodontal & Implant Associates have all completed extensive, hands-on, dentist-to-dentist training and have been certified by Dr. John Chao - the inventor of this technique - to practice Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation™.

Our team takes a personalized approach — the right treatment for you will depend on your situation, your comfort level, and your goals.

Periodontal & Implant Associates has 5 convenient locations so you should be able to find a LANAP provider near you.

Are you wondering whether LANAP surgery is right for you? We would love to answer your questions.

Please contact your nearest Periodontal & Implant Associates office and schedule a consultation today!

More information about Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation™

Conventional Gum Grafting vs Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique

Can Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique rejuvenate my receding gums?

One Week Patient Testimonial


Further Reading about the Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation™:


Find a Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation™ certified dentist near me

Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique logo

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional gum surgery, this technique uses no cutting and no sutures, thus there is less pain, less bleeding, faster healing time, and a shorter recovery time.

Chao Pinhole® surgery is a great option for most dental patients, but it may not be the appropriate method for all cases.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique and finding out if Pinhole surgery is the best solution for your gums, please contact our office to schedule a consultation by calling or emailing one of the following locations:

The periodontists at Periodontal & Implant Associates offer 5 convenient locations in the New Jersey area: