Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST)
Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Patients with receding gums may be good candidates for the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST). This procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting. PST doesn’t require scalpels, sutures, or tissue to be removed from the palate. Instead, a periodontist creates a small pinhole in the gum tissue and uses specialized instruments to gently loosen and reposition the gums over the exposed portions of the teeth. Because the procedure involves no incisions or stitches, patients often experience a shorter recovery period with less swelling, bleeding, pain, and discomfort than may occur with conventional gum grafting.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists Drs. Zalewsky, Daru, Gupta, and Lakkis have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the Pinhole Surgical Technique, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Gum Graft vs Pinhole Surgical Technique
The traditional method for treating gum recession has been gum grafting, a procedure that involves removing healthy tissue from one area of the mouth and grafting that tissue onto the area(s) that require support. While gum grafting is an effective method for treating gum recession, Pinhole Surgical Technique has the same efficacy but has the added value of being far less invasive and having a much shorter recovery time, due to its eliminating the need for cutting and stitches. Because it has the same level of efficacy as gum grafting while simultaneously reducing the patient’s recovery process, Pinhole Surgical Technique has become an increasingly popular treatment option.
Aftercare Following Pinhole Surgical Technique
As previously stated, one of the biggest benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure is that recovery time is minimal, which means you will not have to alter your diet, and your gums should be fully healed in no time. Although it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, it is important to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed in the first place. Continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.