Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique in Cornwall, ON
If your teeth look longer, feel sensitive near the gumline, or your gums are pulling away, you may be seeing gum recession. The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option offered at Cornwall Dental Arts for selected cases — without traditional grafting surgery. Patients from across Eastern Ontario travel to our Cornwall office because relatively few practices are trained in this method.
Treatment recommendations and outcomes vary based on your oral health, medical history and individual needs. A consultation is required to determine the most appropriate option for you.
What is gum recession — and why it matters
Gum recession is the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. It can be caused by periodontal disease, aging, or years of overly aggressive brushing.
When gums recede, tooth roots become exposed. Roots are not protected by hard enamel the way crowns are, which can lead to sensitivity, an aged appearance and a higher risk of problems along the gumline. If active gum disease is present, we address that first — see our gum disease treatment page.
What is the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) is a minimally invasive treatment for gum recession that is incision-free and suture-free. Rather than cutting and grafting, it repositions the gum tissue you already have.
A tiny pinhole is made in the gum tissue near the recession. Special instruments gently loosen and slide the gumline to cover exposed roots — no grafts, no sutures and no scalpel incisions. The technique was developed by Dr. John Chao, who trained our Cornwall dentists.
See how it works
Animation of Pinhole® Surgical Technique
This short animation shows the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique step by step: how a tiny opening lets your dentist loosen and glide existing gum tissue over exposed roots — without traditional grafting surgery.
Real patient results
Pinhole before and after
These clinical photos show gum recession treated with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. Compare the exposed roots and receded gumline before treatment with the restored coverage after.
Images may include manufacturer-provided examples or cases shown with patient consent. Individual results vary depending on gum condition, oral health and treatment needs. Where required, attribution such as courtesy of Pinhole® Surgical Technique is preserved.
Upper front gum recession
Recession along the upper front teeth corrected by repositioning existing gum tissue through a tiny pinhole.
Before 
After Lower front gum recession
Lower anterior recession treated without grafts or sutures, restoring a fuller, healthier gumline.
Before 
After Upper anterior root coverage
Root exposure on the upper anteriors covered by sliding the patient’s own gum tissue back into place.
Before 
After Upper smile gumline restoration
Uneven recession along the upper smile line improved for comfort, protection, and appearance.
Before 
After Lateral gum recession correction
More advanced lateral recession treated with the incision-free, suture-free Pinhole approach.
Before 
After
Photos shown with patient consent. Outcomes depend on gum health, the amount of recession, and your personalized treatment plan.
Who may be a candidate?
Pinhole Surgical Technique may be considered for selected cases of gum recession. Eligibility depends on gum health, bone support, the cause of recession and the condition of the affected teeth.
A clinical examination is required.
What we offer
Pinhole vs. traditional gum grafting
Traditional grafting often uses tissue from the palate or a donor source and requires sutures. Pinhole treatment repositions your existing gum tissue through a tiny opening.
Compared with grafting, many patients appreciate:
-
Less discomfort
after treatment
-
Faster recovery
than traditional grafting
-
No sutures
while healing
-
No scalpels
or donor-site surgery
-
No tissue taken from the palate
-
Natural-looking coverage
in suitable cases
Why patients travel to Cornwall Dental Arts
Because PST requires specific training, patients travel to Cornwall from communities across Eastern Ontario and beyond. Our office at 806 Pitt Street offers free parking next door at 802 Pitt Street, and we help coordinate visits for out-of-town patients.
What to expect
-
Consultation
— measure recession and confirm whether PST is appropriate.
-
Treatment
— reposition the gumline through one or more tiny pinholes with local anaesthetic.
-
Recovery
— mild swelling or tenderness is common; routines often resume quickly.
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Follow-up
— check healing and reinforce gentle brushing habits that protect results.
Common questions
FAQ
What causes gum recession?
Periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, aging and other factors can contribute. An exam helps identify the cause in your case.
Is Pinhole treatment painful?
The area is numbed for comfort. Mild tenderness afterward is common and is often less involved than recovery after traditional grafting.
Are stitches required?
No. One of the defining features of PST is that it is suture-free.
Is gum grafting still sometimes necessary?
Yes. Not every recession case is right for Pinhole treatment. When grafting is the better option, we will explain why.
How many teeth can be treated?
Multiple areas may be treated in one visit when appropriate. Your exam determines what is practical for your gums.
How long is recovery?
Many patients return to normal routines quickly, with only mild swelling or tenderness for a short period. Aftercare instructions are provided at your visit.
Will the results last?
Results can be long-lasting when the cause of recession is controlled — including gentle brushing and ongoing gum health. Individual outcomes vary.
Am I a candidate?
Only a clinical examination can answer that. Gum health, bone support and the pattern of recession all matter.
Book your appointment
Book a Chao Pinhole® consultation to find out whether this approach fits your gum recession. Call Cornwall Dental Arts at (613) 932-2058 or request an appointment online in Cornwall, ON.