What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating gum recession. Instead of cutting and suturing grafts, a small pinhole is used to gently reposition the gum tissue over exposed tooth roots.

How does Pinhole compare to traditional gum grafting?

Unlike traditional gum grafting, Pinhole requires no scalpels, no sutures, and no donor tissue. Recovery time is significantly faster and discomfort is reduced compared to conventional grafting procedures.

How long does Pinhole recovery take?

Most patients experience minimal downtime after the Pinhole procedure. Discomfort and swelling typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Normal activities can usually be resumed the day after the procedure.

How many teeth can be treated in one Pinhole session?

One of the major advantages of the Pinhole technique is that multiple teeth can be treated in a single session, unlike traditional grafting which usually addresses only one or two teeth at a time.

Is Pinhole covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Our team will verify your insurance benefits before treatment and help you understand what portion, if any, is covered.

Chao Pinhole® Technique Washington DC | DC Pearls Dental Boutique

Only Provider Callout

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

Gum recession is more serious than it looks.

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

Gum recession is more serious than it looks.

How It Works

The entire procedure through a single pinhole

01

Local Anesthetic

The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. Most patients feel nothing beyond mild pressure. Oral sedation is available if desired.

02

Pinhole Entry

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.

03

Gum Repositioning

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.

04

Immediate Results

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.

FAQ

Questions about the Pinhole Technique

Does the Pinhole Technique hurt?

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.

How many teeth can be treated at once?

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.

Is the result permanent?

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.

Does insurance cover the Pinhole Technique?

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.

Why is DC Pearls the only provider in DC?

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.

Only at DC Pearls

Fix your gum recession
without surgery.