Pinhole Gum Surgery

Traditionally, gum recession treatments require soft tissue grafting, sutures, and an extensive recovery period.

Instead of traditional gum grafting, we perform the innovative Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique to address gum recession.

A BETTER SOLUTION TO GUM RECESSION

• No Scalpels: The Pinhole Surgical Technique involves no scalpels or sutures. It also doesn’t require the removal of soft tissue grafts from other parts of your mouth. This means the procedure is more comfortable, has a lower risk of bleeding and other complications, and results in a quicker recovery.
• Treat Multiple Teeth: Have your gums receded over multiple teeth? With typical gum grafting, you may require several treatments to address one tooth at a time. On the other hand, with the Pinhole Surgical Technique, we can often treat your entire mouth during one procedure.
• Great Results: Pinhole gum surgery produces a natural-looking, long-lasting gum line after just one procedure. You should be able to notice a difference in your smile immediately after the treatment.

CHAO PINHOLE TECHNIQUE BEFORE & AFTER

BEFORE

Gum recession is a common problem in which the gums pull away from the teeth and expose the roots.

AFTER

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique uses a gentle, minimally invasive approach to guide the gums back into place.

WHAT IS GUM RECESSION?

Gum recession is the loss of soft tissue surrounding a tooth and along the gum line, exposing the base of the tooth and the tooth’s roots. When this happens, it causes gaps or pockets to form between the teeth and gum line. If left untreated, it can lead to dental sensitivity, plaque and bacteria buildup, tooth decay, tooth loss, and jawbone degeneration.

CAUSES & TREATMENT OPTIONS

Gum recession is generally caused by poor oral healthcare, hormonal changes, periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, heredity, smoking, and the natural aging process. Once severe recession has occurred, the only way to restore the appearance and health of your gums is through traditional soft tissue grafting or the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique.

WHAT IS THE CHAO PINHOLE TECHNIQUE?

The Chao Pinhole Technique was created by Dr. John Chao as a minimally invasive procedure to treat receded gums. Dr. Gary Kinder in Knoxville, TN, has received special training in this technique and offers it to his patients at Cornerstone Dental Arts – Fort Sanders West.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is scalpel-free, suture-free, and graft-free. It utilizes a small needle and a special dental instrument to gently slide the gums back into place. The procedure typically takes about one to two hours, and you can return to your normal activities soon after.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WITH THE PINHOLE SURGICAL TECHNIQUE:

1. Anesthesia: Before beginning the procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding gum tissue where gum recession occurred.
2. Pinhole: Once you are comfortable, we will use a small needle to create a pinhole above the gum line.
3. Gum Movement: We will then insert a special dental instrument through the hole to loosen and expand the gum tissue with gentle movements, guiding the gums back into a healthy position.
4. Collagen Strips: We will then insert small collagen strips through the hole to help stabilize the gums.
5. Recovery: The pinhole will close overnight and patients will notice a more symmetrical gum line as soon as the next day. To ensure a smooth recovery, we recommend keeping the surgical site clean and avoiding anything abrasive that might irritate the gums.

In order to qualify for the Pinhole Surgical Technique, you must have addressed any signs of active periodontal disease. At our Knoxville practice, we can help you achieve healthy gums through scaling or root planing or another periodontal procedure.