Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a simple and effective method of periodontal treatment designed to restore receded gums. One of the benefits of this procedure is that it does not require the gum tissue to be severed or sutured. Instead, a special instrument is used to create a tiny pinhole in your gums through which Dr. Toms will make adjustments to correct the gums. Dr. Toms will also use this pinhole to gently insert collagen fibers, which will add gum tissue where needed.

Because this procedure does not require the use of a scalpel or stitches, the healing time is drastically shorter than other traditional methods, such as gum grafting. The grafting procedure can take several weeks to heal and may also require you to change your diet during that time. The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique will heal far quicker. The pinhole in your gums should heal by the day after surgery.

This minimally invasive procedure yields immediate results for patients and will not typically require a change in eating habits after surgery. Because the turnaround time is so much faster, many patients prefer this method for the treatment of receding gums. Patients rarely complain of pain or swelling after treatment since there is no severing of the gums involved, which makes this a great choice for anyone intimidated by having a grafting procedure done.

Chao Pinhole® Surgical technique also only takes a few minutes to complete per tooth. Compare that to the more intensive surgical operation of a gum graft, which requires severing and suturing of the gum tissue. The pinhole procedure also allows all of your teeth to be done at one appointment. Whereas the grafting may have to be done in several visits to the office.

Gum recession is a sign that you may have bacteria infecting your gum tissue. The longer it is left untreated, the worse the results will be. Treating receding gums as early as possible will help prevent tooth and bone loss as well as the need for more extensive surgeries for correction. The pinhole procedure is simple and painless. It will get your gums back to where they need to be and help protect the roots of your teeth from further damage and deterioration.

Although the pinhole procedure may not be right for every patient, Dr. Toms can advise you on which procedure will be best for your individual situation. To learn more about Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, or to schedule an appointment, call us at (513) 922-7300.