Pinhole Surgery Questions & Answers

What is gum recession?

Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gum line, exposing the root of the tooth. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth and bruxism (grinding teeth). When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth will become exposed, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. Healthy gums are essential in maintaining a healthy mouth and due to Dr. Shokri’s keen focus on preventative treatment, she tends to target the gums as soon as signs and symptoms of abnormalities are noticeable.

What is pinhole surgery?

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is an incision and suture free alternative. All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique were created by Dr. John Chao, who trained Dr. Shokri. In order to be considered as a candidate, patients need to be evaluated for the appropriate method of treatment.

What are the benefits of Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?

There are many benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique:

• Less discomfort for the patient after treatment
• Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting
• No need for uncomfortable sutures
• No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools
• No need to take donor tissue from the patient’s palate
• Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results

Why choose Dr. Shokri for pinhole surgery?

Dr. Shokri was one of the first groups of doctors that were trained by Dr. Chao for pinhole surgery using his technique when it was first introduced. This has given Dr. Shokri an advantageous edge, coupled with her extensive background in cosmetic dentistry and gum treatment, to be one of the pioneers of this field.