Are you realizing that your gums are beginning to recede, and you aren’t sure what to do about it? Lucky for you a wonderful solution exists that is virtually painless, and requires no incisions and no surgery. This procedure is called the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®, and is the first minimally-invasive procedure to treat gum recession effectively.

[Related: Types of Tissue Grafts]

What is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the tissue around the teeth begins to shrink away. The tooth root surface then becomes exposed, bringing a greater risk to your oral health. This can cause many different types of problems. 

Symptoms of Gum Recession

Most patients with receding gums do not realize that it is occurring, mostly because it happens over a long period of time. Usually, some sensitivity or appearance of longer teeth will occur. 

Gum recession can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gum line. That allows harmful bacteria and tartar to accumulate in these pockets. This can lead to more advanced periodontal disease, tissue and bone deterioration, and even tooth loss.

[Related: Understanding Gum Disease]

How to Prevent Gum Recession

The best way to prevent gum recession is to brush and floss every day using a proper technique. You should also keep up with your regular dental cleanings and checkups.

Candidates for Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is for those who want to restore their gum line and protect the roots of their teeth without surgery or the traditional grafting procedure. This procedure treats gums in literally minutes—and the results are immediate. 

Chao Pinhole Surgery Process

The doctor will insert a specialized instrument into the opening between the teeth and gum, where the gum tissue is gently loosened. Collagen strips are then placed into that specific area to hold the flap in place instead of sutures. These collagen strips plump up the buccal and stabilize the tissue throughout the healing process. The results are dramatic and immediate.

[Related: Five Signs You May Need Endodontic Surgery]

Pinhole Surgery Recovery Time

For six weeks after this procedure, brushing teeth can irritate the gums. Patients can use a prescription mouthwash instead. Doctors will see patients the next day for an immediate follow-up to check healing time. Then they will meet a week later, then three weeks, then six weeks.

After the sixth week, patients can use the Roll-Method of brushing with an extra soft toothbrush, which is where the brush gently rotates from top to bottom of a tooth.

For a short time after the surgery, patients should eat only soft foods. Since the blood supply is not cut during the procedure, most people heal quickly from the pinhole surgery.

Contact Cascadia Dental Specialists Today!

This has been an amazing procedure for those in need of periodontal work. It’s a permanent solution, without the traditional surgery. Set up an appointment with Cascadia Dental Specialists today to analyze if you are a good candidate for this – you’ll be glad you did.