The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™, invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S., is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST™ is incision and suture free. There are NO Grafts, NO Sutures, and NO Incisions with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue.
Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. You may wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you're not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.
Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but, prior to treatment, we can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, treatment can begin to prevent additional recession and bone loss.
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed. While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™.
During the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.
A beautiful smile shows most of the 8-10 upper teeth with almost no gum above the two front teeth. A smile is considered a “gummy smile” if a significant amount of gingival tissue (gums) can be seen as a person smiles.
Although a gummy smile is considered a normal variation of human anatomy, many people with gummy smiles are very self-conscious when smiling. Fortunately, these smiles can be corrected with simple periodontal surgery procedures. Our dentist can safely modify the position and shape of this gum so that more of your natural enamel and less gum shows when you smile.
Contact us immediately and schedule a free consultation. You will be taking the first step towards a beautiful smile.
