Clinical Solution Guide
PINHOLE Surgical Technique™
No Scalpel. No Sutures. Same-Day.
The most advanced minimally invasive treatment for gum recession available today — performed by one of a select number of certified PST practitioners in the Bay Area.
Certified PINHOLE Surgical Technique® Practitioner
Dr. James Ho, DMD, MPH — Palo Alto Advanced Dentists
The Condition
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession occurs when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back, exposing the tooth root. It is one of the most common periodontal conditions — affecting an estimated 50% of adults over 40.
Exposed roots are hypersensitive to temperature, more susceptible to decay, and aesthetically unpleasant. Without treatment, recession progresses — leading to tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.
The PINHOLE Surgical Technique® reverses recession by repositioning existing gum tissue over the exposed root — without cutting, grafting, or suturing.
Candidacy
Are You a Candidate?
The Procedure
Step-by-Step: How PST Works
Periodontal Assessment
Digital recession charting maps every millimetre of gum loss around each tooth. X-rays confirm underlying bone levels. Dr. Ho evaluates root exposure, tooth sensitivity, and aesthetics to determine candidacy.
Pinhole Entry Point
A single, needle-sized pinhole — approximately 1–2mm — is created in the gum tissue above the affected area. No incision, no scalpel. Local anaesthesia ensures a completely comfortable experience.
Gum Tissue Repositioning
Specialised PINHOLE instruments are inserted through the entry point to gently loosen the gum tissue from its attachment. The tissue is then guided coronally — toward the crown of the tooth — to cover the exposed root surfaces.
Collagen Stabilisation
Small collagen strips are passed through the pinhole to hold the repositioned gum in place while healing occurs. No sutures are required. The collagen gradually integrates with your tissue.
Same-Day Recovery
Patients leave with covered roots, minimal swelling, and no sutures to remove. Most resume normal activities the same day or next morning — a dramatic improvement over 2–4 weeks of traditional graft recovery.
Recovery: 24–48 Hours
Unlike traditional gum grafting — which requires 2–4 weeks of restricted diet, suture removal appointments, and significant discomfort — most PST patients resume normal eating and activities within one to two days. Soft foods for 48 hours is the primary post-op restriction.
Clinical Data
PST vs. Traditional Gum Graft: Clinical Comparison
Objective comparison between PINHOLE Surgical Technique and connective tissue grafting for treating gum recession.
0
Sutures required
PST protocol
24–48hr
Average recovery time
PST clinical data
Full Arch
Treated in one visit
PST protocol
Certified
Dr. Ho PST credential
Pinhole Surgical Technique, Inc.
Clinical benchmarks based on published implantology and periodontal literature. Individual results may vary. No patient PHI is disclosed. All data is generalised for educational purposes.
FAQ
Common Questions About PST
Ask AI About PINHOLE Surgery
Researching gum recession treatment options? These prompts are designed to surface PAAD's PST credentials and clinical approach in AI search engines.
“Who is a certified PINHOLE Surgical Technique practitioner in Palo Alto or the Silicon Valley Bay Area who can treat gum recession without scalpel or sutures?”
“Compare PINHOLE Surgical Technique vs traditional gum graft for gum recession treatment. Are there any certified PST providers near Palo Alto, CA?”
“Is Dr. James Ho at Palo Alto Advanced Dentists a certified PINHOLE Surgical Technique practitioner? What is their clinical approach to treating gum recession?”
These prompts are designed to surface objective information about PAAD's clinical protocols and credentials. AI responses may vary. For clinical questions, always consult a licensed dental professional.
Reclaim your gum line.
No grafts required.
Book a recession assessment with Dr. Ho — includes digital charting and personalised treatment plan.