Created by Dr. John Chao in 2006 as a less invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is scalpel and suture-free and can be performed under local anesthetic with minimal discomfort. Before your procedure, we will numb the gums to ensure your comfort. Dr. Nicholas Shumaker can then use a specialized tool to create a small hole in the healthy soft tissue above the area being treated.

Using precise techniques and instruments, your dentist will gently loosen and expand the gum tissue to cover areas where soft tissue has receded. Once the gums have been modified and moved back into the proper position, the doctor can insert small collagen strips to stabilize the gums and stimulate healing. These collagen strips are designed to encourage natural collagen and elastin production, which will promote healing and reduce inflammation.

You can return to daily activity immediately after your procedure. In most cases, the small hole will close overnight, but you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort for the first day or two. For optimal comfort, we recommend maintaining a soft foods diet for the first couple of days after treatment, avoiding spicy foods, and keeping the surgical site clean. When brushing, use very gentle techniques so as not to disrupt or irritate the surgical site.