What Is the Typical Pinhole Gum Surgery Success Rate?

Gum recession isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Left untreated, receded gums can cause painful tooth sensitivity and leave the newly exposed roots susceptible to tooth decay. Many patients are hesitant about undergoing traditional gum grafting surgery, but the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique offers an effective alternative. Below, we answer some of the most common questions patients have about this procedure, including what it involves and its typical success rate.

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (often shortened to PST) is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be more comfortable than traditional gum recession treatments as it typically does not require sutures. PST utilizes existing gum tissue around the affected teeth, elevating this tissue to cover the exposed roots  and then using collagen to maintain the new gum tissue over the exposed areas of the tooth.

Gum grafting involves removing soft tissue from your palate or other areas of the mouth and attaching it to the exposed roots. While this technique is very effective, it is more difficult to perform when addressing large number of teeth on the upper or lower jaw.

The success rate of pinhole surgery is comparable to that of gum grafting and studies also show that patients have a very high satisfaction rate after the procedure—over 95 percent in a 2012 study by Dr. John Chao, the inventor of the pinhole technique. A peer-reviewed retrospective study found that there was an average of 86.9 percent coverage with the pinhole technique. Of course, as with any dental treatment, success rates can vary from one doctor to the next, so it’s important to choose a periodontist with extensive experience using this method like Dr. Gordon.  Dr. Gordon can aid you in making the best choice as to how to approach the recession issues as given your specific circumstances.

The cost of treating gum recession with pinhole surgery depends on the amount of gum recession you’ve experienced and the number of teeth that require treatment. The average cost of PST is $3000 per quadrant. If your dental insurance provides coverage for periodontal procedures, it is likely that it will cover at least part of the costs of pinhole surgery. Our office staff will provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses before your procedure.

Not all patients are candidates for PST. During your consultation with Dr. Gordon, he will examine your teeth and gums and go over your medical and oral health histories to determine the best treatment option for you. Among other factors, your candidacy for pinhole surgery and alternative options depends on the amount of gum tissue you have in the receded area and the number of teeth that need to be treated.

If you’ve experienced gum recession and you’re considering pinhole surgery, contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Gordon.