According to the NIH MedlinePlus Magazine, periodontal disease, or "gum disease," affects 42% of adults over 30 and 60% of seniors (65 and over).

Gum disease isn't just a painful infection that affects gum health. Without proper treatment, it can lead to gum recession, in which the gums "pull back," exposing the roots of the teeth. With the roots exposed, the teeth become loose and more susceptible to cavities, increasing the risk of tooth loss.

The good news is that the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) provides a minimally invasive treatment solution for gum recession.

However, PST is relatively new, so not all dentists perform it. For this reason, it's imperative to learn how to choose the right dentist to perform your Chao Pinhole surgery.

The caring team of dental professionals at Smart Smile Dental in Orange, CA, has shared tips in this guide to help you make more informed decisions. Please read on.

Search Specifically for Dentists Offering the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

Dr. John Chao, D.D.S., pioneered and invented the Chao Pinhole technique. As an article published in PubMed Central explains, Dr. Chao introduced this treatment in 2012.

Few dentists satisfy the qualifications to perform PST, given that this treatment is relatively new and requires specialized training. So, the first step in choosing the right dentist to help with gum recession treatment is ensuring they offer the Chao Pinhole technique and have the training and experience to do so.

It's also vital to ask your prospective dentist how many Chao Pinhole Surgery Technique cases they've done so far. The more they have done, the better. But, it is just as crucial to know their success rate. Ideally, the dentist you choose should have completed treatments without severe complications.

Look for a Periodontist Offering a Free Consultation

When you undergo the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession, your dentist will create tiny pinholes in your gums. They'll then insert specialized instruments into the holes, which allow them to:

• Gently loosen the gum tissue
• Expand and slide the gumline
• Cover exposed root structures

The Chao Pinhole technique does not require scalpels or sutures, making PST recovery quicker than gum grafts. No cuts and stitches also mean less discomfort, swelling, and downtime. Since the procedure is straightforward, a highly experienced periodontist can complete it within one visit.

All that makes the Chao Pinhole Surgery Technique less invasive than gum grafts. However, because it doesn't require grafting, the area of the gums that will undergo PST must have enough healthy tissue. For the same reason, not everyone is a good candidate for PST.

The best way to determine whether you're a good candidate is to visit a periodontist in Orange, CA, offering a complimentary initial consultation. It won't cost you anything, yet you'll learn a lot from it, including the following.

Your Eligibility for PST

During your initial consultation, your periodontist will carefully examine your mouth, looking for signs of tooth decay or periodontal disease. With this thorough assessment, they can expertly determine whether your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo PST. 

The State of Your Teeth and Gums

Even if the assessment reveals you have cavities or gum disease, it won't be a waste of time since at least you'll know what's going on with your oral health. You can then take the necessary steps to achieve healthy gums and pearly whites. A reputable periodontist will also give you tailored teeth and gum health advice. 

Chao Pinhole Cost

Suppose your initial consultation reveals you're a good candidate for PST.

In that case, the periodontist will discuss your potential treatment plan tailored to your specific oral health care needs. They will also inform you how much your Chao Pinhole Treatment will cost. You can then use this information to prepare your finances.

Don't forget to inform the dental professional if you have dental insurance. Your insurance provider may cover part of the cost of the treatment, and your chosen dentist should help you determine if this is the case. 

Other Treatments You May Need

If you have ongoing oral health conditions, such as gum disease or gingivitis, you may not be able to get PST right away. Another example is untreated tooth decay, which affects nearly 21% of adults aged 20 to 64, according to the U.S. CDC.

However, those problems will not permanently disqualify you from undergoing the Chao Pinhole Technique. If you complete treatments for these conditions, you can still be a good candidate for PST. 

During your initial PST consultation, you'll learn about all those issues and any necessary teeth and periodontal dentistry treatments.

Consider the Dentist's Other Oral Healthcare Services

When choosing a provider for your Chao Pinhole surgery, it's best to stick to a dental office whose dentists have extensive experience in other critical oral healthcare services. This way, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of getting all your required treatments under one roof. 

For example, at Smart Smile Dental in Orange, CA, our periodontists are adept at performing more complex surgical interventions, such as flap surgery, in addition to PST. They are also experts in scaling and root planing, innovative treatments for gingivitis (gum inflammation) and gum disease. Through our guidance and personalized treatment plans, we can help you improve your oral health and become a better candidate for the Chao Pinhole technique. 

Our good doctors also provide family dentistry services, including general and preventive treatments like dental cleanings and restorations. We also have many cosmetic treatments, from teeth whitening to full-mouth reconstruction. 

Schedule Your Complimentary Chao Pinhole Consultation Today

As you learned in this guide, choosing a dentist for your Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique involves multiple steps, from researching your options carefully to getting a free, personalized consultation.

So, if you're ready to determine whether you're a good candidate for PST or need any other treatment, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our doctors at Smart Smile Dental in Orange, CA. Our dentists have many years of experience in periodontic, family, cosmetic, and orthodontic dentistry.



Reach out to our team today so we can get started with your complimentary consultation!