Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST)

Washington DC & Alexandria VA

Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

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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Dr. Daru

In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.

Meet Dr. Antara Daru >

Dr. Gupta

Dr. Gupta

Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.

Meet Dr. Vidushi Gupta > 

Dima Lakkis v1

Dr. Lakkis

Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.

Meet Dr. Dima Lakkis > 

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Dr. Zalewsky

Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.

Meet Dr. Justin Zalewsky >

Why Pinhole Surgery

Pinhole surgical technique is suggested for patients who have a gummy smile or who have developed periodontitis, resulting in gum recession. Periodontitis is an increasingly common inflammatory condition of the bone and gums surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, a number of issues can develop, such as swelling and/or bleeding gums, or gums that begin to recede. Gum recession occurs when the margin of gum tissue that surrounds your teeth begins to pull back or wear, resulting in more of your teeth or their roots being exposed.

In addition to longer-looking teeth and visible roots, other common symptoms of gum recession include increased tooth sensitivity, bleeding, inflammation, and halitosis. An increasing number of studies also indicate that chronic inflammation of the gums can lead to systemic inflammation, which increases your risk of developing serious health issues, such as dementia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or heart disease.

Pinhole Surgical Technique Expectations

The Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure will begin with your periodontist making small holes (approximately 6-7 mm) directly in your gumline above your mucogingival junction. Once the holes have been made, they will use specialized instruments to reposition your gums into the desired position. Once your periodontist is satisfied with the positioning, collagen strips will be placed to bulk up and support the new position of the gum. The number of pinholes that will be required will depend upon how many teeth require attention, but each pinhole that is made can address three teeth.

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.

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Pinhole Surgical Technique Cost

The cost of your Pinhole Surgical Technique treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) is used.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.

For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.

Precision in Perio - 2019 Team

Providing you with Optimal Care

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we proudly offer outstanding oral healthcare for patients in the Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, VA, areas. In our calm, peaceful environment, we use state-of-the-art equipment to perform advanced procedures designed to achieve optimal results. Because collaboration is a key component of success, we work closely with your primary dentist to deliver the customized treatment and care you deserve.

To schedule your appointment for Pinhole Surgical Technique, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!

Washington DC

2311 M Street NW Suite 500
Washington D.C. 20037
(202) 296-3360

Alexandria VA

4660 Kenmore Avenue #300
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-2422

Reston VA

1886 Metro Center Dr #610
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 689-4442