A breakthrough treatment for receding gums

Read KSL’s story about the Pinhole Gum Procedure for gum recession.

What is gum recession?
Gum recession is the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. The cause of this tissue loss is periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or brushing habits that are too rough or abrasive.

Why should gum recession be taken seriously?
The serious consequence of receding gums is that the root structure of teeth becomes exposed, leading to greater likelihood of decay along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting receding gums treated is important for lasting dental wellness.

What is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™)?
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™ is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST™ is incision and suture free.

All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™ were created by Dr. John Chao.

How does the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™) differ from traditional gum grafting?
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed.

While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™, an alternative gum recession surgery.

How is Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™) performed?
During the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.

There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue.

What are the benefits of Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™)?
The benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™ are many:

• Greater comfort for the patient after treatment
• Faster patient recovery compared to traditional grafting
• No sutures
• No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools
• Erases need to take donor tissue from patient’s palate
• Natural-looking, long-lasting results

*Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™ also know as Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™ and Lunchtime Gum Lift™

Dr. McNeil serves Midvale, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights and Salt Lake City.

See the Deseret News article about Dr. McNeil and the Pinhole Surgical Technique.