Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique in Bradenton and Sarasota

Restore Your Smile with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Sun City Center

At Rubino Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we’re proud to offer the revolutionary Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) to treat gum recession with minimal discomfort and remarkable results. Whether you visit our Bradenton dental practice, Sarasota dental practice, or Sun City Center dental practice, our Florida team, led by Drs. Thomas, Ryan, and Tyler Rubino use this minimally invasive procedure to restore healthy gums without incisions or sutures.

Serving patients from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and beyond, we’re here to help you achieve a confident, healthy smile. Call our Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch office at 941-201-3055, our Bradenton office at 941-209-5052, or our Sun City Center office at 813-331-5845, or click here to request an appointment online.

Breakthrough Minimally Invasive and Fast Treatment for Gum Recession

Not only do receding gums make you look old, it is vital that they be corrected if you are to have a healthy mouth. Gum recession causes the roots of teeth to be exposed, leaving them open to decay and damage. It also leaves your gum tissues subject to infection and disease.

Traditional gum recession treatment requires surgical procedures that use incisions to remove a piece of healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth, and further incisions to graft it into the area of recession. This is followed by sutures, a long healing time, and sometimes considerable discomfort.

Some of our patients can now take advantage of an alternative, minimally invasive treatment for gum recession known as the Chao Pinhole® Surgery Technique (PST). With PST, receding gums can be effectively repaired without the cutting, grafting, suturing, and post-operative discomfort that is part of traditional surgery. Drs. Ryan, Tyler, and Thomas Rubino are a few of only a handful of dentists in the United States who are trained and licensed to deliver this breakthrough procedure.

Why Choose Rubino Periodontics for Pinhole Surgery?

Since 1988, Rubino Periodontics & Implant Dentistry has been a trusted name in periodontal care, serving the Bradenton/Sarasota area with expertise and compassion. Dr. Thomas Rubino, a “Top Dentist” in Sarasota Magazine since 2011, and Drs. Ryan and Tyler Rubino are among the few certified providers of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique in the U.S. Our state-of-the-art technology, including 3D cone beam CT scanners and low-radiation digital X-rays, ensures precise and gentle treatment. With two Registered Nurses on staff, we coordinate with your primary care physician for holistic care. Visit our Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, or Sun City Center offices for exceptional service.

A Faster and More Comfortable Procedure

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique makes it possible for your doctor to treat up to 14 teeth at one time. Treatment is performed using a local anesthetic, and the entire procedure can be completed in about two hours. Since there is no cutting, grafting, or suturing needed, there is virtually no pain and minimal downtime. In fact, most patients are back to their regular activities the next day.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique was developed by Dr. John Chao in 2006. It has been tested over many years and has been shown to uniformly produce stable and long-lasting results.

$79 New Patient Special – Exam, X-rays & Consultation

If you have receding gums and want to know if you are a candidate for the Pinhole Surgical Technique, take advantage of our New Patient Special Offer and come see us for a comprehensive oral exam, digital X-rays, and consultation. We will be able to tell you if PST is right for you and will answer all your questions. Your full exam will include:

Call to request an appointment: Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch 941-201-3055 • Bradenton 941-209-5052 • Sun City Center 813-331-5845, or click here to request an appointment online.

How the Pinhole Surgical Procedure Works

Before starting the procedure, the affected teeth are cleaned and prepared, after which the gum is numbed with a local anesthetic. An entry point, about the size of a pinhole, in the gum tissue over the affected teeth is then made. A special dental instrument is then placed through this pinhole, and the gum tissue is gently freed so it can be repositioned. Once free, the gums are guided over the roots of the affected teeth and restored to a natural-looking and healthy gum line.

Your doctor will then use a small angled instrument to insert collagen strips through the entry point and place them inside the gums. This stabilizes the gums in position and assists healing.

Major Benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique

• No scalpels or invasive surgical instruments
• No need to remove healthy tissue from another part of your mouth
• No uncomfortable sutures
• Treatment time is fast and efficient
• Much faster recovery time than with traditional gum grafting
• Minimal discomfort after the procedure
• Natural-looking, stable, and long-lasting results

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes gum recession, and can it be prevented?

Gum recession can stem from multiple factors, including periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, or even teeth grinding. These conditions gradually erode the gum tissue, exposing tooth roots. Prevention involves adopting a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique, maintaining regular dental cleanings to manage plaque buildup, and addressing early signs of gum disease. Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking or managing bruxism with a nightguard, can also help. The Pinhole Surgical Technique effectively corrects existing recession, restoring gum coverage and protecting teeth.

How does the Pinhole Surgical Technique differ from other minimally invasive gum treatments?

Unlike other minimally invasive gum recession treatments, such as connective tissue grafts or tunnel techniques, which may involve small incisions or donor tissue, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is entirely scalpel-free. PST uses a single pinhole entry point to gently reposition existing gum tissue over exposed roots, secured with collagen strips. This eliminates the need for sutures or harvesting tissue from the palate, reducing trauma, speeding up recovery, and minimizing discomfort compared to other methods, while achieving comparable or superior aesthetic outcomes.

Can the Pinhole Surgical Technique improve tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession?

Yes, gum recession often exposes tooth roots, which lack enamel and are highly sensitive to temperature, sweets, or touch, causing discomfort during eating or drinking. The Pinhole Surgical Technique repositions gum tissue to cover these exposed roots, effectively reducing or eliminating sensitivity in most cases. This not only improves comfort but also protects roots from decay and further damage, enhancing overall oral health and function. Patients often notice a significant improvement in their daily comfort post-treatment.

Can gum recession recur after the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

The Pinhole Surgical Technique provides stable, long-lasting results by repositioning and securing healthy gum tissue over exposed roots. However, recurrence is possible if underlying causes, such as untreated periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or poor oral hygiene, persist. To minimize this risk, patients should follow a tailored oral care routine, including gentle brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings. Addressing contributing factors like smoking or teeth grinding also helps maintain results, ensuring the gums remain healthy and stable over time.

Your Path to Healthy Gums Starts at Rubino Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

At Rubino Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we’re dedicated to restoring your gum health with the innovative Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique in Florida. Dr. Ryan Rubino’s Smile Makeover program for veterans reflects our commitment to transforming lives, and we bring that same passion to every patient. With our advanced technology and caring team, we ensure a comfortable, effective treatment experience.

Serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and surrounding areas, we invite you to join us at our Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, or Sun City Center offices. Call our Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch office at 941-201-3055, our Bradenton office at 941-209-5052, or our Sun City Center office at 813-331-5845, or request an appointment online and take the first step toward a healthier smile!