Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique in Boulder, CO.

Have you noticed your gums pulling back or felt increased sensitivity near the roots of your teeth? Gum recession can leave your smile vulnerable to damage and discomfort if left untreated.

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) offers a gentle treatment for restoring your gumline without traditional grafting, helping you regain comfort and confidence. 

Dr. Ania Mohelicki brings advanced training in this technique to patients in Boulder, CO. Her certification and extensive experience support precise, natural-looking outcomes.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession refers to the loss of tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive brushing habits.

When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness.

A close-up shot of a patient with gum recession What is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture-free.

All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique were created by Dr. John Chao, who trained Dr. Ania.

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique involves using a needle to create a small opening in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.

There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique. It simply involves adjusting the existing tissue.

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique vs. Traditional Gum Grafting

Traditional gum recession treatments involve using donor tissue or soft tissue grafts to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed.

While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with an improved patient experience can be achieved with the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique.

This approach is also much more efficient. Gum grafting can take over an hour to complete, but the Chao Pinhole technique only takes 15 to 20 minutes per tooth on average.

Benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

The benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique include:

  • Less discomfort after treatment
  • Faster recovery than with 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

Good Candidates for the Chao Pinhole Surgery

A woman pulling down her lip to show gum recessionThe Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is a great choice for many people who are generally healthy and experiencing gum recession. However, some issues may potentially disqualify you, including:

  • A habit of grinding your teeth.
  • Gum tissue that measures less than 2 to 3 mm
  • A compromised immune system
  • Being a smoker
  • Having unmanaged periodontal disease

Dr. Ania Mohelicki will assess your gum health and current oral health care during your consultation. She can also recommend alternative treatments or steps you may be able to take to become eligible for the surgery

Why Choose Dr. Ania Mohelicki for the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique in Boulder, CO?

Dr. Ania Mohelicki stands out for her blend of artistic vision and clinical skill, offering patients a thoughtful approach to both aesthetic and restorative dentistry. With decades of experience and advanced training—including certification in the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique—she provides modern solutions for gum recession with a focus on comfort and natural results.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota and a lifelong learner at the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Ania stays current with evolving techniques. Her active involvement in leading dental organizations reflects her dedication to high standards and patient-centered care.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Recover?

It takes roughly a day to recover from Chao Pinhole Surgery. This is thanks to the procedure's minimally invasive nature. There are no wounds or incisions that require healing. The tiny holes that are made take about a day to heal.

What Can I Eat During Recovery?

You can generally eat anything you like as you recover from Chao Pinhole Surgery. However, it is highly recommended that you avoid foods that could potentially cause trauma to your gums, such as nuts, chicken, steak, and chips. Instead, focus on soft foods that do not affect the gums, such as yogurt, eggs, and steamed vegetables.

Is the Chao Pinhole Surgery Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, Chao Pinhole Surgery is covered by dental insurance plans. However, it is best to contact your insurance provider for more details on your current plan.

Does the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique Require Anesthesia?

Yes, local anesthesia is typically used during the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Because the treatment does not involve incisions, sutures, or grafting, the level of anesthesia needed is generally minimal compared to traditional gum surgery. Most patients remain relaxed and experience little to no discomfort during treatment.

How Soon Will I See Results After the Pinhole Procedure?

One of the most appealing aspects of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is how quickly results become visible. In most cases, you can see an improvement in your gumline immediately after the procedure.

The gums are repositioned during treatment to cover exposed tooth roots, so the change is noticeable right away. As the tissue settles and heals over the next day or two, the results continue to refine.

Can Multiple Teeth Be Treated in One Pinhole Surgery Session?

Yes, multiple teeth can often be treated during a single Chao Pinhole Surgery session. In fact, one advantage of this approach is that it enables broader treatment areas without the need for multiple surgeries.

Dr. Ania can reposition gum tissue across several affected teeth through small entry points, making the process more efficient and convenient. This means fewer appointments and a more cohesive result along the gumline.

Treating multiple areas at once can also help create a more uniform appearance while minimizing overall recovery time compared to traditional grafting procedures.

Is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique Safe for Older Adults?

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is generally considered a safe option for older adults, particularly because it is minimally invasive and avoids grafting or extensive surgery. Many older patients prefer this approach due to its gentle nature, shorter procedure time, and quick recovery. As with any dental treatment, overall health, gum condition, and medical history will be evaluated beforehand.

How Long Do Results Typically Last?

The results of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique are long-lasting, often providing permanent improvement when supported by good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Maintaining healthy gums through proper brushing, flossing, and routine visits helps preserve the repositioned tissue and prevent further gum recession.

before after image of Gum recession treatment

Contact Us Today

If you are looking for an efficient way to treat your receding gums, the Chao Pinhole Surgery could be exactly what you need. Contact us at 303-443-0998 to schedule an appointment today.