Benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique: Faster Recovery, Minimized Discomfort, and More
Traditional gum recession surgery involves the use of tissue grafts and sutures requiring about three weeks of uncomfortable recovery. The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a sophisticated update of this treatment. It is a scalpel-free, suture-free technique in which our dentist uses a needle to create a tiny hole above the affected area, and then uses small, specialized instruments to reposition gum tissue to cover exposed areas of the tooth. Recovery is dramatically faster, and patients report experiencing far less discomfort. To learn more about the benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, contact our Montreal clinic today.
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Gum recession can occur for many different reasons, including gum disease and genetic predisposition. It is important to address gum recession in its earliest stages to maintain oral health. Until recently, surgical options consisted of pocket depth reduction or a gum tissue graft, which involve sutures and harvesting tissue grafts from other areas of the mouth. Pinhole surgery is a much quicker, simpler, and less invasive process. Dr. Casey numbs and cleans the recessed gum area, then makes a small hole above it. He then inserts a small, angled instrument to free the gum tissue and slide it down to cover exposed portions of the tooth. In the final step, he inserts collagen strips to reinforce the new gum placement and stimulate healing.
Advantages of Pinhole Surgery
Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, pinhole surgery offers several advantages over traditional treatments. For example, unlike gum grafting, this approach can address multiple teeth in one session. The procedure is virtually pain-free, and patients can choose sedation dentistry to ensure a completely comfortable experience.
Compared to gum tissue grafting, recovery time following the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is much shorter. Connective tissue grafts, in which tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth, have a recovery period of up to three weeks. Other kinds of grafts (in which tissue comes from another part of the gum area, or from a donor) also take several weeks to heal, and can involve bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Sometimes, traditional gum grafting requires periodontal dressings in the mouth, which remain in place for one to two weeks. Meanwhile, patients often must follow a soft food diet during recovery. By contrast, recovery from pinhole surgery takes approximately one day. Patients can expect to eat normally the same day of their surgery. Because there are no incisions or stitching, there is little to no discomfort during recovery, though some sensitivity is normal.
The cosmetic improvement with pinhole surgery is virtually immediate. The small entry point heals quickly and is virtually undetectable the next day. After surgery, patients have a rejuvenated gum line, and do not have to tolerate sutures. Unlike traditional grafts, results look completely natural. Tissue harvested from elsewhere can have a different appearance than normal gum tissue. Since the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique uses existing nearby gum tissue, the results look natural.
Experience the Benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique
The Pinhole Surgical Technique™ has gone through years of development and trials. Patient outcomes have been comparable to those of traditional gum recession surgery, with a significantly better patient experience. To learn more, or to find out if you are a candidate for pinhole surgery, schedule an appointment today.
