BEFORE

Receding gums can affect people of all age groups. This can be caused by excessive and hard tooth brushing, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, crooked teeth, the type of bite you have, and just the normal aging process. Teeth can feel sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, sensitivity to brushing at or near the gum line, and the esthetic appearance of the tooth or teeth is compromised. Receded areas are also much more susceptible to root decay than normal. If left untreated, teeth may become damaged and lead to eventual tooth loss.

Conventional treatment for receding gums has been gum grafting, one such procedure known as the connective tissue graft. This is a more invasive procedure in which a piece of gum tissue is cut out of the palate and guided into place, under a flap that is peeled back from the affected area, then sutured back together. Because of the type of surgery and recovery time, these procedures are done in smaller segments and can take many months to years to complete if many teeth are being treated.

AFTER

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is much less invasive, as it is accomplished through one or several pinholes placed near the teeth to be treated. The palate is not needed and therefore, no second wound site to heal. Specialized instruments designed and patented by Dr. Chao are then used to loosen the gum tissue and move them back into a more normal and healthier position. The new position of the gums are then supported by tiny collagen strips placed carefully through the pinhole access. Typically, there are no sutures involved and patients can see an immediate change in their gum position. Multiple teeth are easily treated in the same visit, some having complete uppers or lowers done in the same day!