The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique in Orange County, California

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Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

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The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

One of the most innovative forms of gum recession treatment is the Chao Pinhole Technique. Backed by Chao's extensive research and clinical experience, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique uses a needle to make small holes in the gum tissue. Once the gum tissue is loosened, our Smart Smile dental specialists will guide the existing gum tissue over receding parts of the tooth. This technique helps with receding gums and can be beneficial for holding off gum disease by addressing the relevant aspect of gum recession—tissue loss.


The Chao Pinhole Technique is a minimally invasive alternative for treating gum recession. Let’s examine the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, what it entails, and why it might make the most sense for your particular priorities, whether they include aesthetic goals, recovery time, or overall comfort. The procedure has been said to be a great treatment for gum recession according to most patients. The Chao Pinhole Technique is also called the PST, the pinhole surgical technique.

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What is the Chao Pinhole Technique?

Dr. John Chao invented and patented the suture-free Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, and it has revolutionized how periodontists help reverse gum recession. Backed by years of scientific investigation and in depth knowledge of periodontal anatomy, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive treatment where a needle makes a small hole in your existing gum tissue. Once this small hole is created, special instruments gently loosen the patient’s existing gum tissue, offering unique solutions for restoring the gumline without traditional grafting or sutures.

The Chao Pinhole Surgery is much different from the standard treatment for gum recession called soft tissue grafting, where donor tissue or a connective tissue graft is used to help rebuild the gumline. For those looking for a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is the best option. It avoids the need for a connective tissue graft, making it a much easier and more convenient option compared to conventional gum grafting. A local anesthetic is also administered.


Unlike the standard treatment involving a connective tissue graft, the Chao Pinhole Technique is a minimally invasive option. Why deal with invasive surgical tools when the Chao Pinhole Technique can be used instead? Unlike traditional gum recession treatments called grafting procedures, the Chao Pinhole Technique doesn’t require donor tissue or uncomfortable sutures. It’s also important to note, however, that not everyone is an ideal candidate for the Chao Pinhole Technique.

Why Choose The Chao Pinhole Technique?

What are some benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgery technique compared to conventional gum grafting or soft tissue grafting? Here’s why so many who suffer from gum recession opt for the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique:

  • Scalpel free No scalpels or other invasive surgical instruments
  • Minimal discomfort post-procedure compared to gum grafting treatment – patients are often pleasantly surprised by how gentle the process feels
  • Much faster recovery time when compared to traditional grafting techniques – healing generally takes less time than conventional methods
  • Instant cosmetic improvement
  • Quick, convenient, and effective
  • Natural looking teeth
  • No need to use tissue from other parts of the mouth, uses existing tissue from the target tooth area
  • No sutures or incisions required, unlike traditional grafting techniques – the scalpel free approach allows for a smoother healing process
  • Minimal Risk
  • Donor tissue isn’t needed to correct gum recession – many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that their own existing tissue is enough for successful treatment
traditional denture

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FAQ About Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

  • What is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    The Chao  Pinhole Surgical Technique is a very innovative and new surgical technique replacing gum grafts. So if you have a gingival recession or not enough support on your gums for your teeth, we have replaced traditional gum grafting with the surgical Chao  Pinhole Technique.

  • How does the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique work?

    The Chao  Pinhole Surgical Technique is actually very easy. We basically create very small pinholes in your gum and we put collagen in your gums to bring your natural gum tissues down so that they are not receding anymore and they provide you with a lot better support and cosmetics and health of your gums and teeth.

  • What are the benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    The benefits of the Chao  Pinhole Surgical Technique are immense. The teeth will eventually be lost if we don't do anything about the recession and that's the reason why it's really important to treat the recession. When we don't treat the recession, the bone and the gums around the teeth keep failing and basically your tooth becomes loose and it falls out. Chao  Pinhole can prevent all of this.

  • What is the recovery time after the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    The recovery time is very quick. Most people are a little bit swollen for the first few days. They report very little to no pain and it's very quick and easy.

  • How does the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique compare to traditional gum grafting?

    The Chao  Pinhole Technique compared to traditional gum grafting is way better because number one you don't have two surgical sites. In a traditional gum graft, you have a donor site and a recipient site. What that means is we take a piece of gum from your palate or some other part of your mouth and take that piece and stitch it to the affected area. In Chao  Pinhole Surgery, we do not take collagen or tissue from any other site. It is external collagen that we put in so you don't have a primary surgical site and that reduces the pain and the healing time immensely.

  • What are the risks associated with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    Basically there are no risks associated with it. We take really good precautions to make sure that your teeth are clean, that you follow the instructions very well and that you are fully aware of what's going on and it's very very easy. We've done many many cases in our office and we've never had a complication so far.

  • Who is a good candidate for a Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    That's a really good question. We need to see you in person to make sure that your teeth are healthy enough to receive the Chao  Pinhole Surgical Technique. The best way to do that is to come in for a free pinhole consultation with our pinhole gum specialist or myself. I have a lot of experience with it as well. So give us a call at 714-744-1242 to get your personalized assessment and questions answered whether you're a good candidate or not.

  • What can I expect during a Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure?

    Basically you will be numbed and it's kind of like a filling or kind of like receiving any other procedure. Most of the work is on our part. The patient is basically just laying back and relaxing in the chair and we tell you to bring your headphones or any other relaxing method that you might have and just relax in the chair while we work on your gums.

  • How much does a Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique cost?

    So the cost depends on every single patient, how much gum they have lost, or how much they need. But we give you the cost even before we begin your procedure. So once again, the best way to do this is to come in for a free consultation and then we can give you your customized cost.

  • Are there any side effects of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    No, there are no side effects of the Pinhole Chao Surgical Technique. I mean it is a surgical procedure but it is a very non-invasive procedure. So just a little swelling or bruising might be associated with it but other than that there are not many side effects.

  • What should I do to prepare for the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    So when you come in for your customized consultation, we will let you know what you need to do before the procedure if anything and we can let you know what all is needed. Most people just need the standard, you know, workup of x-ray, exam, cleaning, those kinds of things. There's nothing specific that needs to be done. You should generally speaking have a healthy mouth in order to get any surgical procedure done.

  • How long do the results of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique last?

    The results last for a long time. Everybody is different. In the 10-plus years that we've been doing the process in our office, a couple of patients might have needed a little bit of redo in a few areas but most of the time the result is very long-lasting.

  • What aftercare is required following the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    So the aftercare that is needed after this Chao  Pinhole Surgical Technique once again is customized to you. The hardest part that my patients find for the pinhole surgery is that we don't let you brush for a few weeks afterward but we teach you how to keep it clean and that drives my patients crazy but other than that there's not much to take care of.

  • Does insurance typically cover the cost of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    Different insurances have different coverages and it depends on your insurance. We always look it up and we let you know. It is a relatively new technique so a lot of the insurance does not cover it but we will always maximize your insurance benefits in any way we can and we look it up and we help you with it.

  • How can I schedule an appointment to discuss the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    To schedule an appointment for the Chao  Pinhole Surgical Technique is very easy. You just give us a call at 714-744-1242 and say you want a pinhole consultation and we will schedule one immediately then we can discuss your customized conditions and go from there.

Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique Results

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What Our Patients Are Saying

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"I want to give my biggest thanks to Smile Smart! A special thanks to Thu for helping me out when I recently came in. Fully recommend everyone to come here! Great experience!"


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"Dr Bagai and her staff are fantastic. I've been going to her for years and am very pleased with the service and results. They are a very friendly group on top of it all! I highly recommend going to her."


Sean B.

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"They were wonderful, comprehensive and gentle. All my questions were answered and it was a great cleaning. Will be coming back from my follow up fillings."


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Visit Smart Smile in Orange, CA For All Your Smile Care Needs!

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Our team of caring professionals are dedicated to improving the health, confidence, and well-being of our patients every day. We are proud to serve our community. Our goal is to help you achieve the healthy smile you want while improving your confidence in your smile. Our team has decades of experience in dentistry, and we value our continuing education so we can bring you the most up-to-date treatment options available. 


Modern dentistry can do amazing things for people with receding and/or unhealthy gums. Aren't you curious to see what it can do for you?


When you are ready to try the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, we are ready for you! Call our office at (714) 744-1242 to learn more.

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