Case Identification
Procedure: Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Tooth/Teeth: #5–6
Procedure date: 2001
Post-operative interval: 25 Years
Post-operative examination date: 2026
This case documents a 25-year clinical observation following treatment of localized gingival recession at teeth #5 and #6 using the Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
The pre-operative photograph was obtained in 2001 using a Polaroid camera, reflecting the clinical documentation methods available at that time. The follow-up image was captured 25 years post-treatment, allowing evaluation of long-term soft-tissue behavior well beyond early healing, maturation, and intermediate remodeling phases.
At the 25-year post-operative interval, the treated sites demonstrate:
• Stable coronal gingival margin position
• Maintained soft-tissue thickness
• Favorable gingival contour without scarring
• No observable evidence of relapse over time
Despite differences in imaging quality between the two time points, the available clinical features permit meaningful comparison of gingival margin position and tissue form. The observed soft-tissue architecture appears stable over decades, suggesting durable tissue behavior at the treated sites.
At this extended interval, healing and remodeling are considered complete. The gingival margin position and tissue thickness observed reflect long-term biologic stability rather than short-term post-procedural changes.
The clinical significance of this case lies in the documentation of long-term soft-tissue stability maintained over 25 years following a minimally invasive periodontal procedure performed without incisions or sutures.
The Pinhole® Surgical Technique, developed by Dr. John Chao, is a biologically driven approach to the management of gingival recession that emphasizes tissue preservation and long-term stability.
For additional information:
www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com