Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique vs Gum Grafting

Gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity and make your smile look uneven. Fortunately, you have two treatment options to correct a receding gum line: the revolutionary Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique or traditional gum grafting. The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is a patented procedure that does not require scalpels, stitches, or a lengthy recovery time. Meanwhile, gum grafting with the traditional method requires incisions with a scalpel, grafting with stitches, and up to two weeks of recovery time. Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus and Dr. Lisa Reid proudly offer the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique for patients at Brooklyn Heights Dental—a dental practice serving Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, and all parts of Brooklyn, NY.

Comparing the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique and Traditional Gum Grafting

Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting. The innovative technique uses microsurgical instruments to poke tiny holes above the existing gumline to loosen up the tissue. Then, Dr. Stanislaus or Dr. Reid will gently slide the gumline down or up to cover the exposed tooth roots.

With the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, receding gums can generally be covered in just one appointment with no incisions, grafting, or stitches needed. In most cases, there is no expected downtime for recovery. Possible post-surgery discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter medicine. In general, patients who undergo gum treatment with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique can expect instant results and a smooth recovery.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is the traditional treatment for gumline recession. The procedure requires harvesting a piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth or using donor tissue. Then, the dentist places and sutures the graft over the areas affected by the gum recession. The graft will integrate with existing gum tissue and become a solid, supporting, healthy structure. 

Compared to those who choose the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, patients who undergo traditional gum grafting may experience:

• Increased risk of infection
• Complications with stitches
• Swelling for up to two weeks
• Discomfort or downtime for up to two weeks
• Restricted diet for up to two weeks 

While the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique has no required downtime, traditional gum grafting usually means a recovery period of two weeks.

Which Technique Is Right for You?

If you have dental anxiety and are worried about incisions, sutures, or a lengthy recovery, the Chao Pinhole Technique may be a better option for you. To determine if you are a good candidate, our dentists will evaluate your smile, personal goals, and budget.

Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental to Learn More

Gum recession can expose your tooth roots, causing discomfort and compromising your oral health. Healthy gums also form tight pockets around your teeth, so unhealthy gums can lead to tooth movement and even tooth loss.

Gum tissue does not grow back on its own, so prompt treatment is essential. While traditional gum grafting is available, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique offers a quicker, more comfortable experience for patients needing treatment for gum recession. If you would like to learn more about how we treat receding gums with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, schedule an appointment today by calling (718) 857-6639 or messaging Brooklyn Heights Dental.