Pinhole surgical technique demonstration showing gum grafting procedure on lower front teeth.

What Is PST™?

The Pinhole Surgical Technique PST™ is a procedure in which Dr. Cavallari uses specialized instruments to make a small hole in your gum and add collagen material which stabilizes the area of gum recession. This new method is simple, suture-free, and minimally invasive.

PST™ was developed and patented by John Chao, D.D.S. It has been featured in the International Journal of Periodontics, one of the most prestigious dentistry journals in the world.

What Causes Gum Recession?

While gum recession is usually viewed as one of the symptoms of gum disease, it can also be caused by insufficient tooth brushing, overly aggressive tooth brushing, or certain medications that can affect gum health.

Gum recession can even be caused by orthodontic treatments and appliances like braces or retainers.

Why Choose PST™?

Unlike gum grafting, The Pinhole Surgical Technique PST™ is minimally invasive and does not cut gum tissue, making it a much less painful option. Gum recession was traditionally treated using a connective tissue graft, which “harvests” gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and then sutures it to the affected area.

Connective tissue grafts have a recovery period of up to three weeks and patients often experience side effects including gum pain, swelling, and bleeding. Palatal tissue grafts (tissue taken from the roof of your mouth) also have a different esthetic appearance than normal gum tissue, as the color and texture of the roof, the tissue does not match that of your gums.

Other methods, such as using donor tissues, may require intricate suturing, leading to possible complications and infection.

Benefits of PST™
  • Non-invasive
  • Reduces the side effects of gum surgery (bleeding, swelling, gum pain)
  • Near-immediate cosmetic improvement
  • Incision and suture-free
  • Accelerated recovery
  • One visit can treat multiple areas of recession
If you have any concerns about possible gum recession or are worried about the side effects of gum grafting, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to discuss the details and benefits of The Pinhole Surgical Technique PST™.
* Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®™ and PST®™ are registered trademarks of John Chao DDS MAGD, 2008

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