Pinhole Surgical Technique
Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.
When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness.
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique® is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture free.
All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique® were created by Dr. John Chao, who has trained Dr. Lockhart.
There are multiple causes of gum recession, including: genetics, age, negligent or improper hygiene habits, clinching and/or teeth grinding and crooked teeth.
One of the most common dental maladies is gum recession. Gum recession is not only unsightly but also causes tooth sensitivity and makes teeth more susceptible to decay and erosion. Historically, the solution to this problem that afflicts millions of people was to remove a graft of tissue from the patient’s palate and sew it over the area(s) of recession. This solution is not only extremely intrusive and painful but is also limited in its application and leaves the patient with a visible “patch” of mismatched gum tissue.
Today there is a much more effective and less intrusive solution to the common problem of gum recession. The Pinhole Surgical Technique® or Gingival Rejuvenation® is a patented, state-of-the-art technique invented by Dr. John Chao to resolve gum recession with much less trauma and with a far broader application.
There are only roughly 1,500 doctors around the world who are qualified to perform this revolutionary procedure. Dr. Lockhart is one of the earliest trained doctors and has already treated hundreds of cases of gum recession.
The procedure is performed by inserting specially designed and patented instruments through a pinhole. The procedure is painless and the recovery rarely requires more than a day of analgesic for discomfort. There is no grafting, no cutting or sutures so recovery is quick and easy with no unsightly patches.
One of the biggest benefits to the Pinhole Surgical Technique® is that an entire mouth can be treated in one single appointment; this was impossible with the older grafting technique. The time required to perform the procedure is dependent on the number of sites being treated but generally the entire procedure can be accomplished in a single visit.
Dr. Lockhart and his team are excited about this revolutionary new procedure that makes treating gum recession predictable and painless. Please call Randi (714-838-0760) to ask any questions and to schedule your consultation to see if you qualify for this exciting, revolutionary procedure.
Curious about the long term results of the Pinhole Surgical Technique? Check out this blog post that talks about the long term stability of the PST!
