Chao Pinhole ® Surgical Technique
The Easiest Way to Overcome Gum Recession
Do you suffer from unattractive, painful gum recession? At Charlottesville Blue Ridge Dental and Crozet Blue Ridge Dental, our dentists are proud to offer a minimally invasive, elegant way to correct this issue: the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. This fast and effective procedure requires minimal downtime and offers numerous advantages over traditional gum grafting techniques. Please contact one of our offices today if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule a first appointment.
What Is Gum Recession? Why Should It Be Treated?
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue begins to shrink back. This condition can occur over time for a number of reasons, from the presence of gum disease to harsh brushing to the unavoidable aging process. Not only is gum recession not very attractive, but it also tends to cause serious oral sensitivity because of the exposed tooth roots. It can also lead to local infections by creating a gum pocket that constantly lets in bacteria. Patients are at a higher risk of tooth decay in areas with gum recession. When gum recession is particularly serious, it may even lead to tooth loss.
Treating gum recession protects the sensitive tooth roots and reveals a more attractive, more proportionate smile. If you’ve noticed that your teeth look longer than they used to, or that they are experiencing significant sensitivity, you should visit your dentist for a checkup. They’ll examine your periodontal (gum) tissue and let you know if you should consider receiving gum disease therapy in Charlottesville or need to take other measures to bolster your gum health.
How Does the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique Work?
This process is very simple. One of our doctors creates a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Then, using special instruments, they gradually loosen the gum tissue so that it can expand and slide over the exposed roots once more. There are no grafts or donor tissue used in this process — we only adjust your natural tissue. The goal of the procedure is to correct gum recession while maximizing patient comfort and minimizing the risk of postoperative complications.
The Chao Pinhole® surgical technique is a big step up over other types of gum grafting surgery. Traditionally, gum recession treatment involves the use of a donor’s tissue or a soft tissue graft in order to rebuild the gumline’s original structure. This tissue is typically removed from the patient’s palate and is sutured in place and joined to the existing tissue in the area of recession. The procedure may be effective enough, but it is often painful and requires a lengthy recovery period. It’s nothing compared to the elevated patient experience we can provide with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
What Are the Benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?
- The process is minimally invasive, with no incisions or sutures to worry about.
- The patient will experience less discomfort following treatment.
- The patient will recover faster than if they had undergone traditional grafting.
- There’s no need for invasive surgical tools like scalpels.
- We can treat as many teeth as necessary in a single treatment session.
- There is only one surgical site, not two (as is the often the case in traditional gum grafting).
- The results are natural-looking and long-lasting!
Who Is a Candidate for the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?
We invite you to visit us for a consultation to discover whether Chao Pinhole® in Charlottesville is a fit for your circumstances. It is important that you do not have active gum disease when you undergo your procedure, so we may have to use antibiotic therapy or other treatments to make sure your mouth is free of harmful bacteria. Extensive bone loss and uncontrolled diabetes are other conditions that may affect candidacy for the Chao Pinhole® surgery.