pinhole surgical technique

Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

Gum recession leaves tooth roots exposed, which leads to discomfort and increases your risk of decay and tooth loss

At Brooklyn Heights Dental can perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a minimally invasive procedure that can repair gum tissue.*

Why is the pinhole gum rejuvenation recommended?*

pinhole surgical technique

A More Comfortable Surgery with Immediate Results 

Minimally Invasive

Invented by Dr. John Chao, this minimally-invasive procedure can effectively treat gum recession without the use of scalpels, incisions, or sutures. Since no donor tissue is required, this treatment is an overall more comfortable experience.*

One Appointment

Multiple sites can be treated during the same session at our Brooklyn Heights office, taking about 20 minutes per tooth. The results of your surgery are also often immediately apparent.*

No Downtime

Because there is less trauma to the tissue, patients can expect less discomfort and quicker recovery. In fact, you can typically return to work the same day. Any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.*

How does the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique correct gum recession?

Pinhole gum surgery illustration Pinhole gum surgery illustration

Is it a reliable treatment solution?

Factors Affecting Your Candidacy

Your Gums Are Receding 

In cases where a deep cleaning will not suffice, surgery may be recommended. The doctor will need to evaluate your gums to determine your gumline to determine if this technique is the right solution.

Extent of Recession

Pinhole surgery is only recommended for patients with mild to moderate gum recession. Deep pockets may require grafting before you can undergo this procedure.

Gum Disease Is Treated

Gum disease should be treated before undergoing pinhole surgery. This procedure is exclusively designed to reposition the periodontal tissue into its proper placement, rather than eliminating the bacteria that cause the disease.

Is treating gum recession really necessary?

Without Treatment Your Oral Health Will Suffer

While you may not be concerned with the aesthetics of your smile, treating gum recession is first and foremost critical to maintaining your oral health. Without treatment, your tooth roots will be susceptible to damage and decay and the gum tissue will no longer provide the necessary support to your teeth. This will lead to tooth loss which requires extensive, often costly restorative care. At any stage, Dr. Stanislaus highly recommends gum recession treatment. For most patients, the best solution is the pinhole technique.

Gum recession

You can rest assured you will receive the highest level of care...

Advanced Treatment By an Expert

Map of Brooklyn

Dr. Stanislaus is committed to providing his patients with the most advanced gum recession treatment. He and his team regularly participate in continuing education courses so they can provide cutting-edge treatments. Among these is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, which can only be performed by doctors who have undergone rigorous training. Currently, Dr. Stanislaus is the only dentist in Brooklyn who is certified in this revolutionary procedure. He has helped countless patients achieve a healthier, more balanced smile.

To perform pinhole surgery, a tiny opening is created in the gums. Using special dental instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and repositioned over the teeth. Small strips of collagen are then placed through the openings to stabilize the gums. This method protects the roots and results in fuller, more aesthetically-pleasing gum tissue.*

Invented by Dr. John Chao, this method can effectively treat recession with a minimally-invasive procedure which requires no scalpels, incisions, or sutures.

In contrast to conventional gum grafting procedures, pinhole surgery can be used to address multiple teeth during the same appointment. The surgery usually takes about one to two hours, and most patients can return to work or school on the same day.*

The revolutionary Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique can correct gum recession without the need for incisions or sutures.

Comparing the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique to Gum Grafting

Gum recession is a serious condition that should be addressed in a timely manner to prevent more severe periodontal health issues from arising. If you are suffering from gum recession, there are many reasons to consider Chao Pinhole® Surgery Technique vs gum grafting. This advanced procedure is faster than the traditional method, provides immediate results, and boasts virtually no downtime.

The Importance of Treating Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when the gum line shrinks away from the teeth, exposing the dental roots beneath. Aside from the aesthetic consequences, gum recession can also make you more vulnerable to a host of dental issues. Because the roots of the teeth are not protected by enamel, they are susceptible to cavity-causing bacteria once exposed. Patients who suffer from gum recession may also experience severe sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Covering the exposed roots can not only reduce sensitivity, it can also improve your oral health and protect your teeth.* 

Traditional Gum Grafting

Soft tissue grafting has been traditionally used to treat gum recession. This procedure requires donor tissue, which is either harvested from another part of the patients' mouth or selected from a bone and tissue bank. In the area of gum recession, small incisions are made to create a pocket. The donor tissue is placed in the pocket, and then secured with sutures. This procedure effectively covers exposed roots and replenishes lost tissue around the teeth. However, the advanced Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique offers comparable results with a minimally invasive approach.*

FAQs about the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

Exploring treatment options for gum recession can seem overwhelming. Patients who are considering the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique often have questions regarding this revolutionary procedure. Dr. Stanislaus has compiled a list of answers to Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique FAQs to help you understand the procedure and its many benefits. 

What is gum recession?

Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the dental roots. This condition can be caused by aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, aging, or genetics.

Why is gum recession a serious issue?

Optimal oral health requires healthy teeth and gums. Gum recession can make your teeth more susceptible to decay and other complications.

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting.

What is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting. Created by Dr. John Chao, the pinhole technique does not require scalpels or sutures.

How does the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique compare to traditional gum grafting?

Traditional gum grafting requires a tissue transplant from another part of the mouth, or donor tissue. Although conventional gum grafting is certainly successful, similar results can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique with minimal downtime, no scalpels, and no sutures.

How is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique performed?

A small opening is made in the gums. Using special dental instruments, your doctor can loosen the gum tissue and carefully reposition the gums over the exposed roots.

What are the advantages of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Less post-operative discomfort
  • Faster recovery time as compared to traditional grafting
  • No need for incisions or stitches
  • No grafting*

Dr. Stanislaus can design a personalized treatment plan suited to your dental needs. He has helped numerous patients with gum recession achieve healthier, balanced smiles.

How long do the effects of the procedure last?

The Chao Pinhole Technique is long-lasting. Patients can expect to enjoy a natural-looking smile for years to come.*

Will pinhole surgery cure my gum disease?

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Procedure will not cure gum disease. In order to qualify for pinhole surgery, you must be free of periodontal issues. However, pinhole surgery can be performed once periodontal treatment is complete.

How long does the procedure take?

The number of teeth being treated will dictate the length of the procedure. However, most cases can be completed in approximately one to two hours.*

How much does it cost?

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is comparable to the cost of traditional gum grafting. Although the procedure is not inexpensive, it is an excellent investment in your overall oral health. At Brooklyn Heights Dental®, we offer financing through CareCredit® for our patients’ convenience.

Dr. Stanislaus of Brooklyn Heights Dental®

Brooklyn Heights Dental®

The team at Brooklyn Heights Dental® has been committed to caring for our community's smiles since 1956. Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus and Dr. Lisa Reid are affiliated with several renowned institutions and organizations, including:

  • The Academy of General Dentistry
  • The International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • The International College of Dentists
  • The Misch International Implant Institute

To set up an appointment or learn more about our services, give us a call at (718) 857-6639 or contact us online.

Contact Us

"I've been very happy with my experiences at Dr. Stanislaus's office, and highly recommend him to anyone in the New York City area. He and his staff go above and beyond to do the best job possible." -R.B. (Patient)

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