DC Pearls is the only practice in Washington DC offering the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
Dr. Ardekani trained directly with the technique's inventor, Dr. John Chao, and is a certified provider.
Periodontal Care · Washington DC
A minimally invasive procedure that corrects gum recession through a tiny pinhole. no cutting, no sutures, and results you see the same day.
DC Pearls is the only practice in Washington DC offering the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
Dr. Ardekani trained directly with the technique's inventor, Dr. John Chao, and is a certified provider.
The Problem
When your gums recede, the roots of your teeth become exposed. Exposed roots are more sensitive to hot and cold, more vulnerable to decay, and more prone to damage from brushing. Left untreated, recession leads to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.
The traditional fix. a connective tissue graft. requires cutting tissue from the roof of the mouth and suturing it over the recession. It's effective but involves significant discomfort and weeks of recovery. The Pinhole Technique eliminates all of that.
1 Day
visible results after a single appointment
Zero
scalpel incisions or sutures required
How It Works
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. Most patients feel nothing beyond mild pressure. Oral sedation is available if desired.
Dr. Ardekani makes a single small hole. roughly the size of a pen tip. in the gum tissue near the recession. No incisions, no donor tissue from the palate.
Specialized instruments are inserted through the pinhole to gently loosen and reposition the gum tissue over the exposed root. Collagen strips stabilize the repositioned gums.
Multiple teeth can be treated in a single visit. You leave the same day with gums covering the previously exposed roots. No sutures to remove. Recovery is typically 24 to 48 hours.
Comparison
Chao Pinhole® Technique
No scalpel. Single pinhole entry per treatment area.
No donor tissue taken from the palate.
No sutures. Minimal bleeding.
Multiple teeth treated in one appointment.
Results visible the same day. Recovery 24–48 hours.
Traditional Connective Tissue Graft
Incisions at recession site and donor site on palate.
Tissue harvested from roof of mouth. Two surgical sites.
Sutures required. Removed after 7–14 days.
One or two teeth treated per session.
Recovery 1–3 weeks. Discomfort at both surgical sites.
Am I a Candidate?
If you have visible root exposure, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, or teeth that appear longer than they used to, you likely have gum recession. Dr. Ardekani evaluates the degree of recession, bone levels, and overall periodontal health before recommending treatment.
Active gum disease must be treated first. Patients with moderate-to-severe recession affecting multiple teeth are the ideal candidates for the Pinhole Technique because multiple sites can be addressed in one appointment.
Book a Gum Recession EvaluationFAQ
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients report minimal discomfort. Because there's no second surgical site on the palate, which is where most traditional graft patients experience their worst pain. recovery is dramatically easier. Most patients return to normal activity the next day.
One of the major advantages of the Pinhole Technique is that multiple teeth. even an entire arch. can be treated in a single appointment. Traditional grafting is typically limited to one or two teeth per session, meaning severe recession would require several surgeries over many months.
Long-term studies show results comparable to traditional grafting. Gums tend to stay in their corrected position. To prevent recession from returning, the underlying cause must be addressed. usually aggressive brushing technique, bite issues, or untreated gum disease. Dr. Ardekani will review this with you during your evaluation.
Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal procedures including gum grafting. Coverage for the Pinhole Technique varies by carrier. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment and provide a full cost breakdown. Financing is available through CareCredit for any out-of-pocket portion.
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique requires specialized training and certification directly through Dr. John Chao's institute. Dr. Ardekani completed this certification and is one of a limited number of licensed providers in the country. The technique's exclusivity is part of what makes DC Pearls unique in the Washington market.
Patient Stories
“My gums had been receding for years. One visit with the Pinhole technique and the results were immediate. No scalpel, no sutures, and I was back to work the next day.”
Barbara J.
Pinhole Surgical Technique
“I was dreading a traditional graft after what I had read online. A friend told me about DC Pearls being the only Pinhole provider in DC. One appointment and my gums look 10 years younger.”
Thomas E.
Gum Recession · Pinhole
“The sensitivity in my front teeth was unbearable. After the Pinhole procedure, it's completely gone. The recovery was so easy I almost didn't believe it worked until I saw the photos.”
Alicia N.
Gum Recession · Multiple Teeth
Only at DC Pearls
Schedule an evaluation and Dr. Ardekani will assess your recession, explain your options, and tell you whether you're a candidate for the Pinhole Technique.
