Pinhole Gum Surgery

Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness. The Chao Pinhole^® Surgical Technique (PST) or Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting procedures, PST is a scalpel-free, suture-free and graft-free procedure created by Dr John Chao in California, USA. While traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved through the innovative Pinhole^® Surgical Technique.

During the Pinhole^® Surgical Technique, a small needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gum line to cover the exposed root structure. There are no gum grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed which minimises any side effects including pain, swelling, and bleeding.

The treatment time will vary depending on the severity of your case and how many teeth need to be covered with the gum. IT only takes around 20 minutes to perform the pinhole technique on each tooth. The recovery time is only a couple of days, so the whole process can be done within the space of a week.

Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur due to various factors such as the natural aging process, periodontal disease, or abrasive brushing habits. When the gums pull back and expose the root of the tooth, the gums are said to be receding.

If gum recession is not taken seriously and you do not get it seen by a dentist, it leaves your gums and teeth vulnerable to issues such as tooth decay and other problems that can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, therefore, getting gum recession treatment is important for your overall oral health and dental wellbeing.

It is not just ageing that causes gum recession. Gum disease and genetics play huge contributing factors, as well as brushing too hard for a long period of time or poor oral health care. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease (Gingivitis), when the gums become inflamed due to the presence of plaque bacteria and, if it is left untreated, they eventually begin to recede.

Leaving receding gums can lead to a severe recession, sensitivity, root decay and tooth loss. Damaged gums can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis. This can cause more long term problems with aesthetic concerns and oral discomfort, making Pinhole Gum Surgery an important procedure.

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST®), invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S. in California, USA. The only dentist who has been trained by Dr Chao can perform this procedure. Pinhole® Surgical Technique is performed by Drs Georgios Chatzopoulos, Fernando Madeira and Nuno Ferreira, who are trained and certified to provide this unique gum rejuvenation treatment.

Only a handful of dentists are licenced to perform the Pinhole Surgery technique, 3 of them are Neem Tree dentists. 

There are a quite a few benefits of gum surgery including: 

• Prevents the progression of gum recession and bone loss.
• Protecting the roots of teeth from decay. 
• Prevention of sensitivity 
• Better aesthetic results. 
• Shorter recovery time.
• No stitches or incisions, completely non-invasive.
• Does not remove tissue from another part of the mouth.

Yes, there are treatment options for you if your gums are receding.

If you notice your gums are receding, be sure to book an appointment with your dentist. If left untreated, gum recession can you cause you pain, increase sensitivity and increase the chances of tooth decay and tooth loss. Receding gums cannot be reversed but they can be fixed. 

You can either have pinhole gum surgery or a gum grating procedure.

No, your receding gums cannot grow back. However, while they can’t grow back, there are many treatment options that can help stop or slow down the process. 

When your gums begin to recede, gaps will then begin to form between the gum and tooth therefore allowing disease-causing bacteria to build up. If this is left untreated, the teeth themself as well as the surrounding tissue and bone structure of the teeth can get damaged. This can often result in tooth loss.

Receding gums is a widespread dental condition, if you think your gums are receding, book a check up with your dentist. 

The best way to keep your receding gums at bay and avoid further recession, is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. Especially if your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be sure that you are mindful of the force you are applying to your teeth and gums while you are brushing. It can be hard to break these habits you are not aware of but using a soft-bristled toothbrush may help. 

Treatments start From £1,250.

If left untreated, your receding gums can cause tooth decay and are likely to fall out as a result. The bacteria build up between the gums and teeth due to the recession, can also lead to gum disease which will also endanger the teeth. 

Receding gums are quite common in older adults (40+). It can also occur over a long period of time of brushing too hard on your teeth and gums. 

Check out our blog on keeping your teeth and gums healthy for our advice on how to properly clean them.

Some signs of unhealthy gums include swelling and redness. If your gums are healthy they will look firm and pink. If your gums bleed while you are brushing or flossing, or your gums appear to be pulling away from the teeth, these are sure signs that you have unhealthy gums and you should book a dentist appointment as soon as possible. 

The healing process from pinhole surgery is far shorter than with gum grafting. The recovery time for pinhole gum surgery is only a matter of a few days.