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Grosse Pointe Woods Pinhole Surgical Technique

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, developed by John Chao, DDS, is an innovative way to correct gum recession. In Grosse Pointe Woods, Dr. Theodore Hadgis is a certified provider of the technique.

What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

This technique is a minimally invasive way to correct gum recession without cuts or stitches. Specially designed instruments make the correction. The technique has been featured in the media on The Doctors Show, Dr. Steve Show, ABC and NBC television, and over 240 stations across the U.S. and Canada. It was also featured in the October 2012 issue of The International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry.

Since the technique was implemented in 2006, long-term studies and research on its efficacy are limited. But many dentists have been trained in the Pinhole technique and achieve great results for their patients.

How Does It Work?

Traditionally, gum grafting is used to correct recession. Grafting requires taking tissue from the roof of your mouth, cutting your gums to insert it, and closing the gum tissue with stitches so it heals correctly.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is much different. It is a scalpel-free, graft-free, and suture-free procedure. Dr. Hadgis will complete a series of steps to revitalize your receding gums, including:

  • Make a tiny entry point in the affected gum tissue
  • Place a special dental instrument in the hole to gently loosen the gums and guide them into correct position
  • Place tiny collagen strips behind the gums to keep them in place and to help your body generate more collagen and healthy gum tissue

The before-and-after photos below show how the technique can be used to rejuvenate gum tissue and help your smile look healthier and younger.

Before-and-after close-up upper and lower teeth photos of the Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession. In the left photo, there is gum recession in upper and lower teeth. The right photo shows the teeth three years later after the Pinhole technique. The gums are healthy and the recession is still corrected. This information is from Gross Pointe Woods dentist Dr. Ted Hadgis.

Pinhole® Surgical Technique

What to Expect

The Pinhole Surgical Technique requires that you have enough gum tissue above a tooth to loosen and cover the tooth roots. An examination is required to determine if this treatment is right for your case. The procedure is minimally invasive, so it has several advantages, including:

  • Minimal chair time – Often, treatment can be completed in one to two hours.
  • Minor discomfort – No scalpel or sutures are used, so any discomfort, swelling, or bleeding are minor.
  • Fast healing time – The pinhole in the gums often heals in 24 hours.

Are You a Candidate for It?

If you would like to know if you’re a candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique, contact us to request an appointment with Dr. Hadgis. He will examine your teeth and gums and explain your options.