Your gums are designed to symmetrically frame your teeth to reveal a bright and healthy smile. When gums are uneven or begin to recede, they not only affect the appearance of your smile, but can lead to serious dental sensitivity and leave teeth exposed to decay. The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique treats mild and moderate gum recession for both medical and cosmetic purposes, without the need for a surgical grafting procedure. Compared to traditional gum grafting, this treatment is scalpel-free, suture-free, and can deliver better precision and an overall faster treatment and recovery. Our board-certified specialists in periodontics at Northern Colorado Periodontics in Fort Collins, CO, and Greeley, CO can safely and effectively restore a patient’s gum line with this minimally invasive procedure.
What to Expect
Created by Dr. John Chao in 2006 as a less invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is scalpel and suture-free and can be performed under local anesthetic with minimal discomfort. Before your procedure, we will numb the gums to ensure your comfort. Dr. Nicholas Shumaker can then use a specialized tool to create a small hole in the healthy soft tissue above the area being treated.
Using precise techniques and instruments, your dentist will gently loosen and expand the gum tissue to cover areas where soft tissue has receded. Once the gums have been modified and moved back into proper position, the doctor can insert small collagen strips to stabilize the gums and stimulate healing. These collagen strips are designed to encourage natural collagen and elastin production, which will promote healing and reduce inflammation.
With our advanced training and state-of-the-art procedures, you can enjoy a healthier smile with less downtime and more comfort.
After Treatment
You can return to daily activity immediately after your procedure. In most cases, the small hole will close overnight, but you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort for the first day or two. For optimal comfort, we recommend maintaining a soft foods diet for the first couple days after treatment, avoiding spicy foods, and keeping the surgical site clean. When brushing, use very gentle techniques so as not to disrupt or irritate the surgical site.
Are You a Candidate?
The best candidates for this treatment include:
- Patients looking for a less invasive approach to traditional gum grafting
- Patients with minor to moderate gum recession
- Patients with an uneven gum line
- Patients at a high risk for tooth decay due to recessed gums
Our doctors can review your case and help you understand if this treatment can help you achieve your goals.
Significant, Lasting Results
Benefits of this Technique
Choosing to repair your gum line with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique provides many benefits over traditional gum grafting, including:
- Immediate aesthetic results
- No need for a scalpel, second surgical site, or sutures
- Less bleeding and reduced risk of infection
- Faster treatment and smoother recovery
- Improved oral health and gum line
With our advanced training and state-of-the-art procedures, you can enjoy a healthier smile with less downtime and more comfort.
Improve Your Oral Health
If you are experiencing gum recession and looking for a less invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting, contact our office today online or by calling (970) 207-4061. During your consultation, one of our qualified doctors can explain in detail all the benefits of treatment.
