Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique: An Advanced Gum Recession Treatment
Dr. Robert Hawke performs the groundbreaking Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique at his Tucson, AZ, dental practice. This approach to correcting gum recession has been designed and patented as a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure. Dr. Hawke has received extensive training from the world-renowned, Dr. John Chao, and passes on this high-quality care to his patients, to deliver attractive, life-changing results.
What Is Gum Recession?
If your gum tissue is being pulled away from the tooth, you may be suffering from gum recession. The condition is generally caused by one or more of the following factors:
- Periodontal disease
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Poor oral healthcare
- Hormonal changes
- Natural aging process
- Heredity
- Smoking
- Excessive grinding and crunching of teeth
As the gums recede, the tooth root can become exposed. This affects the aesthetics of the patient’s smile, making the soft tissues appear uneven. Since the tooth roots do not have protective enamel, gum recession can also lead to tooth sensitivity. If left untreated, gum recession can trigger a number of oral health problems including plaque and bacteria buildup, tooth decay, tooth loss, and jawbone degeneration.
The only way to restore the appearance and health of your gums following gum recession is with traditional soft tissue grafting, or the advanced Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. Both of these approaches reposition the gums in a healthy location over the teeth. Patients should keep in mind that these treatments do not address gum disease, which will require a separate treatment regimen.
Chao Pinhole® Treatment Process
Dr. Hawke will first administer a local anesthetic to numb the gums along the treatment area. He will then use a small needle to create a pinhole above the gum line. A special dental instrument will be threaded through the access hole and gently guided back and forth to loosen and expand the gum tissue back into its proper position. Small collagen strips are inserted to provide stabilization to the gums.
The Chao Pinhole® technique affords faster recovery times, minimized risk of complications, and a more comfortable experience than traditional surgery.
The procedure takes one to two hours to complete, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a day of the procedure. The pinhole opening will close overnight, and patients will notice a more symmetrical gumline the next day. Patients should keep the surgical site clean and avoid brushing too hard in a manner that may irritate the gums. Most results will last for many years.
Benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique provides important benefits over traditional gum surgery, including:
- Optimally comfortable
- Smoother and faster recovery
- Minimized risk of bleeding, infection, and other complications
- Eliminates the need for sutures, scalpels, and soft tissue grafting
- Involves a single small hole in the gums that heals overnight, vs. two surgical wounds for gum grafting
- Natural-looking, long-lasting results
Learn More about Gum Recession
If gum recession is undermining your oral health and attractiveness of your smile, Dr. Hawke can perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a simple and painless procedure that improves your gums. Reach out to us today by calling (520) 323-3842 or contacting us online.
