Pinhole Surgical Technique for Gum Recession in Colorado

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive procedure that treats gum recession without removing donor tissue from the roof of your mouth. Using a small needle-sized opening, your existing gum tissue is repositioned to cover exposed tooth roots.

No donor tissue. No sutures. Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.

Colorado Gum Care is a certified Pinhole Surgical Technique provider. We offer this procedure at our Broomfield and Northglenn offices.

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What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

The Pinhole Surgical Technique (also called PST or the Chao Pinhole Technique, named after its developer Dr. John Chao) was developed as an alternative to traditional gum grafting for patients with gum recession.

Here is how it works:

A tiny needle-sized hole is made in the gum near the area of recession. Specialized instruments are inserted through this pinhole to gently loosen the gum tissue. The tissue is then carefully moved down to cover the exposed root surface. Collagen strips are placed through the pinhole to help the tissue stay in its new position while healing.

The entire procedure can be done on multiple teeth in a single appointment. When it is complete, only a small pinhole remains — no incisions, no donor tissue, no sutures.

Pinhole Surgical Technique vs. Traditional Gum Grafting

Both techniques treat gum recession. The right choice depends on your specific situation.

In some cases, a traditional graft is the better option — particularly when recession is severe, when gum tissue is very thin, or when there simply is not enough existing tissue to reposition. We evaluate each patient individually and recommend the technique that will produce the best result.

Pinhole Surgical TechniqueTraditional Gum Graft
Donor tissue neededNoYes (from palate)
SuturesNoYes
Multiple teeth in one visitYesSometimes limited
Recovery time24-48 hours1-2 weeks
Post-procedure discomfortMinimalModerate (palate donor site)
Coverage amountLimited by existing tissueCan add significant tissue volume
Best forMild to moderate recession, multiple teethModerate to severe recession, thin or insufficient existing tissue

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before

Your gums are thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. You should not feel pain during the procedure. Sedation is available if you prefer.

During

The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on how many teeth are treated. You will feel some pressure and movement during tissue repositioning, but no pain.

After

You will have a small pinhole that closes on its own within 24 hours. Some soreness and sensitivity for a few days is normal.

Eating

Soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. You can typically return to a normal diet much faster than with traditional grafting.

Recovery After the Pinhole Surgical Technique

Recovery from PST is faster than traditional gum grafting because there is no palate donor site. The palate harvest is the primary source of discomfort after traditional grafting — PST eliminates this entirely.

What to expect:

  • Day 1: Some soreness and sensitivity at the treated area. The pinhole closes within hours.
  • Days 2-5: Most discomfort resolves. Stick to soft foods and follow the home care instructions provided.
  • Week 1-2: Tissue continues to settle into its new position. Visible improvement in gum coverage.
  • 1-3 months: Full tissue maturation. Final result is visible.

Most patients are back to their normal routine within 24-48 hours.

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Are You a Candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

PST works best when:

  • You have mild to moderate gum recession affecting multiple teeth
  • Your existing gum tissue has adequate thickness and volume to reposition
  • The underlying cause of recession (gum disease, aggressive brushing) has been addressed or is being managed
  • You want a faster recovery than traditional grafting

You may be a better candidate for traditional grafting if:

  • Recession is severe and requires more tissue than can be repositioned
  • Your gum tissue is too thin to reposition effectively
  • You need to significantly increase the width of the attached gum tissue

During your consultation, we take a close look at your gum tissue quality, recession severity, and overall periodontal health to recommend the approach most likely to deliver a lasting result.

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Pinhole Surgical Technique FAQs

Pinhole repositions existing tissue without donor tissue or sutures. Traditional grafting adds donor tissue from the palate. Pinhole typically means less discomfort and faster recovery. Traditional grafting may be preferred for severe recession.

Multiple teeth can be treated in a single PST appointment. This is one of the advantages over traditional grafting, which sometimes requires multiple appointments to treat different areas.

Yes. The repositioned tissue heals in its new position permanently. Addressing the causes of recession (treating gum disease, correcting brushing technique) prevents new recession from forming.

Coverage varies. PST is relatively new, and not all insurance plans categorize it the same way as traditional grafting. We verify your specific coverage before treatment begins.

Yes, at Colorado Gum Care, patient comfort and satisfaction are a top priority. The team is committed to providing outstanding care and ensuring a positive dental experience for every patient.

You can schedule an appointment with Colorado Gum Care at any time. The practice offers excellent dental services for both adults and children and accepts most major insurances. To book an appointment, you can either call us here: (303) 469-6375 or contact us here.

Treat Gum Recession With Less Downtime

Ask about the Pinhole Surgical Technique at your consultation. We will tell you whether you are a good candidate and how it compares to traditional grafting for your specific situation.

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Northglenn

Broomfield