Pinhole Surgical Technique® (Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation®) is completed with a small access point, or “pinhole,” made in the existing gum tissue. Through this small access point, specialized instruments are used to gently loosen and reposition the patient’s own gum tissue over areas of recession—without the need for traditional grafting or a large incision.
This is a fundamentally different approach from traditional gum grafting, which typically involves harvesting donor tissue from the roof of the mouth and suturing it over the exposed root. Unlike traditional gum grafting, which requires harvesting tissue from the roof of the mouth, the Pinhole Surgical Technique® repositions the patient’s existing gum tissue and uses a collagen material in place of a tissue graft. This eliminates the need for a separate donor site on the palate and can help reduce postoperative discomfort and make recovery more comfortable. Another benefit is that multiple areas of gum recession can often be treated during a single visit, allowing several teeth to be addressed at once. In appropriately selected cases, the technique can provide natural-looking, long-lasting coverage of receded gum tissue.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique® was developed by Dr. John Chao, who personally trained Dr. Kelleher in the procedure. Dr. Kelleher offers the technique for patients who are appropriate candidates and carefully evaluates the type and severity of gum recession before recommending it.
Not every case of gum recession is a candidate for the Pinhole technique. Dr. Kelleher evaluates each patient’s recession, gum thickness, and overall periodontal health to determine whether the Pinhole Surgical Technique or traditional gum grafting is the better fit.
Sample Cases
