For Dr. Chao's Pinhole technique, are there any long term studies on results?

Question

I have gum recession and have been told that I am a candidate for Dr. Chao's Pinhole technique. I understand this technique is relatively new. It seems like the costs are about the same, but it's less painful and there is less down time. Compared to traditional grafting, is there any data out comparing long term results?

Elly Tehrani, DMD, MSD · Answer

Pinhole surgery technique is kind of modification of a traditional well documented periodontal technique for grafting / root coverage. That technique is called Coronally positioned flap (the flap of tissue is pulled down or up towards the crown of the tooth) .  In Periodontal literature, placing a tissue graft under the flap instead of just pushing it down or up towards the crown of the tooth has been shown to provide longer lasting, superior results in tissue thickness and root coverage.  So one would think that Pinhole technique would be comparable to the coronally positioned flap, and that the gum graft with gum harvested from the palate still remains as the "gold standard " technique for the treatment of gum recession.  Being very similar to coronally positioned flap technique,  the twist in Dr Chao's technique is that it is minimally invasive,  the tissue is pushed down towards the teeth, and then thru the little pinholes strips of collagen is placed to hold the tissue in place.   Dr Chao does have long term results of cases he has done, however , research papers comparing his results to traditional gum grafting has not been published yet.

Herbert Veisman, DDS · Answer

No literature in peer reviewed journals or university scientific studies whatsoever. Pure anecdotal data only. It is critical to understand that this is not a NEW technique but a new name for an old technique called the Semi-lunar coronally positioned graft (with some minor tweaks). This technique depends entirely on having sufficient ATTACHED GINGIVA (strong gum) versus ALVEOLAR MUCOSA (soft gum). ONLY if you have plenty of attached gingiva, may this technique work. Please see a few periodontists to discuss this and rely only on expert specialist opinion as it pertains to your situation. Good luck.

For Dr. Chao's Pinhole technique, are there any long term studies on results?

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For Dr. Chao's Pinhole technique, are there any long term studies on results?

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Everything you need to know about Pinhole Gum Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.