CHAO Pinhole® Technique
Healthy gums are necessary for good overall oral health. When gum recession occurs due to disease (periodontal disease), age, or overly abrasive brushing, the lower portions of the teeth become exposed. This results in severe tooth sensitivity and leaves the teeth vulnerable to disease and decay.
At Glen Ellyn Dentistry, we are pleased to be able to provide our patients with a state-of-the-art treatment for gum recession known as the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique.
What Is the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique?
Developed in 2006 by Dr. John Chao, the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique is an innovative surgical technique and set of surgical tools used to address severe gum recession.
How This Technique Differs From Traditional Gum Grafting
Traditionally, gum recession was treated using a gum grafting procedure that used soft tissue grafts (collected from the patient’s soft palate) to restore and rebuild the gum line. Traditional gum grafting requires incisions to be made with scalpels and sutures to collect tissue grafts and then to hold the grafted tissues in place.
The CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique does require the use of gum grafts. Instead, it simply uses special tools to adjust the placement of existing gum tissues.
The Benefits of Pinhole Surgery for Gum Recession
Traditional gum grafting can deliver successful treatment results. The CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique, however, delivers equally successful results with a vastly superior treatment experience.
The benefits of the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique include:
- Much less invasive without the need for scalpels
- No need for sutures to hold grafted tissues in place
- No need to collect healthy tissue from the soft palate
- Quick and efficient treatment time
- Reduced risk of infection
- Less pain, bleeding, swelling, and discomfort after treatment
- Natural-looking, effective, and long-lasting results
The CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique Process
The procedure begins with a thorough cleaning. This preparation encourages the existing gum tissue to cling to the sides of the teeth in the desired position. Once the teeth have been properly cleaned and prepared, we administer a local anesthetic via injection to ensure the treatment area is fully numbed for a comfortable treatment experience.
Our dentist then uses a special needle-like surgical tool to create a pinhole-sized entry point in the gum tissue at the targeted treatment area. We then insert another specially designed surgical tool through the entry point in the gum tissue. We use this instrument to gently release the gum tissue where it is currently attached.
Once released, we guide and reposition the gums over the roots of the teeth. We then use another surgical tool to insert small strips of collagen beneath the repositioned gum tissues. In addition to supporting the healing process, this collagen helps stabilize and hold the tissues in place. Through this process, gum recession is reversed to restore the patient’s natural, healthy gum line.
Once the procedure is complete, our dentist provides the patient with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and successful healing process.
Advanced Periodontics in Glen Ellyn, Illinois
If you suffer from the effects of severe gum recession, we encourage you to talk with one of our dentists about the benefits of restoring your natural gum line with the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique. We can talk with you about your concerns and treatment goals and examine your gum tissues to determine whether this revolutionary surgical procedure is right for you.
To learn more or request an appointment with one of our dentists, we welcome you to contact Glen Ellyn Dentistry at 630-942-0727 today.
