What is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique was invented and patented by Dr. John Chao over a decade ago. This innovative, minimally invasive treatment is an excellent alternative option for patients suffering from the negative consequences of receding gums. Its safety and long-term effectiveness have been researched, studied, and proved.
Traditional treatment involves harvesting your own soft tissue (usually from the roof of your mouth) and transplanting it to the area of deficiency. In some cases, the graft may be purchased from a tissue bank. To place the graft, the recipient site must be incised, and the existing gum tissue must be temporarily moved back. Once the graft is in place, the gum tissue is repositioned, and the site is secured with sutures.
Conversely, pinhole gum therapy does not involve scalpels or sutures. Instead, Dr. Hawkins will use a needle to make tiny holes in the gum tissue. He will then insert special instruments into the entry point and use them to gently loosen and free your receded gums. Next, he will place resorbable collagen strips to help stabilize your gums and stimulate new tissue growth. Finally, he will carefully guide your gums into a healthy position, creating a new gumline.
What are the advantages of pinhole gum therapy?
This advanced, innovative treatment option offers numerous advantages. The most obvious benefits include improved comfort and reduced pain, swelling, and bleeding.
And unlike traditional gum surgery, which limits treatment areas and often requires several appointments, this revolutionary option makes treating multiple locations at one time possible. In fact, Dr. Hawkins can treat your entire mouth in one setting if needed, helping you maximize your time.
Am I a candidate for Pinhole gum therapy?
If you have receding gums, also known as gingival recession, you may be a candidate. Several factors come into play, but the most important consideration is your overall health and the health of your gums.
Patients seeking treatment for cosmetic purposes alone are excellent candidates. If, however, you are experiencing active gum disease, we will have to address that first.
Smoking can also be a factor, so if you are a smoker, you may be advised to hold off on this treatment until after quitting. Moreover, you must have an adequate amount of remaining gum tissue for this procedure to be successful.
At your consultation, Dr. Hawkins will perform a thorough oral examination and go over your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate. He will then discuss your options and proposed treatment plan.
Cost of Pinhole Gum Therapy in Midlothian
The average cost of Pinhole gum therapy is around $3,000 per jaw. However, the cost will vary depending on several factors that your dentist will need to determine via consultation. Once your consultation is complete, your dentist will let you know if you’re eligible for Pinhole gum therapy, and if so, who much it will cost. Of course, if you’re concerned about cost, we always recommend checking with your insurance provider to find out if they provide coverage for your procedure.
When considering the cost of a procedure, it’s important to keep the advantages in mind. The Pinhole Surgical Technique is minimally invasive, reduces discomfort, swelling, and bleeding, and requires fewer trips to the dentist’s office than more traditional dental procedures. We believe your smile is worth it.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
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