Gum Rejuvenation

Get fast, pain-free treatment with the new Pinhole Surgical Technique™

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™ (PST) is an incision-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession. Patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Best of all, results can be seen right away!

Dr. Douglas Schulz is currently among only a handful of doctors in the United States offering this breakthrough treatment. This gum recession procedure was invented by dentist and innovator Dr. John Chao and tested over a period of several years with uniformly good and lasting results.

A faster, more comfortable procedure

Traditionally, a periodontist needed to harvest gum tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth. Incisions were made in the gums and the graft tissue was sewn on. Only two to three teeth could be treated at one time as the donor site had to heal, which was also painful. Patients would need to take time off work for a week or be on narcotics.

With the new Pinhole Surgical Technique, all affected teeth can be treated in one session, although patients can also opt for treating just one arch or quadrant at a time. Treatment time is one to two hours using local anesthetic, and patients have needed only a couple of Tylenol® post treatment.

“Results are fantastic,” says Dr. Schulz. “The gum is immediately covered and continues to improve.” Results are also stable, with cases maintaining their gum coverage even several years later.

Rejuvenate your smile!

Nothing ages a smile and face more than receding gums. There’s even a well-known expression, “long in the tooth,” that is used to described someone that is past his or her prime. Gum recession can also weaken teeth, causing sensitivity, root damage or even tooth loss.

With the new Pinhole Surgery Technique (PST), receding gums can be stably repaired without the use of traditional surgery that includes cutting, grafting and stitching.

How Pinhole Surgery works

The affected teeth are cleaned and prepared and the gum tissue is numbed with a local anesthetic. A small entry point is made in the gum above the tooth or teeth to be treated. Our doctors use a specialized dental instrument to free the outer layer of gum tissue and gently move it down to provide better coverage for the teeth.

Next, a small angled instrument is used to pass several collagen strips through the entry point and place them under the gums. The collagen helps to keep the gum tissue in place in its new position.

Up to 14 teeth can be corrected in one to two hours. There is little to no post-operative discomfort.

Improving your smile

The rate of success of the Pinhole Surgical Technique is comparable to the highest rate of 90 percent attributed to traditional methods, according to a 33-month study of 43 patients. PST not only treats natural teeth affected by gum recession, but also crowns and bridges. With PST the crown or bridge can be restored to a natural, well-fitting look.

Call us at 913-649-3313 to make an appointment or use this form to request an appointment online.