The Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST®) is a scalpel-free, suture-free approach to treating gingival recession defects that evolved from established periodontal grafting practice and proven wound-healing principles. It is delivered through remote access to reduce surgical trauma, patient morbidity, and recovery time.
Traditional grafting techniques typically involve incisions, sutures, and the harvesting of tissue from a donor site—often the palate—which creates a second surgical wound.
The Pinhole® Surgical Technique applies the same biological principles that make grafting successful, but does so without incisions, sutures, or donor sites, using specialized instruments introduced through a small access point. This difference in access accounts for the reduced discomfort and faster recovery many patients experience.
By strict technical definition, mobilizing tissue can be described as a form of pedicle movement. However, the Pinhole® Surgical Technique does not involve donor harvesting or tissue transplantation in the traditional grafting sense. Instead, it represents an evolution of grafting principles—applying established biology through a fundamentally different, less invasive access method.
Most patients with mild to moderate gum recession are potential candidates, including those with recession affecting multiple teeth. Final candidacy depends on factors such as tissue quality, tooth position, and overall periodontal health, which must be evaluated clinically. As with all periodontal procedures, not every case is appropriate for every technique.
Clinical outcomes depend on diagnosis, technique, and operator experience. PST® has been evaluated in peer-reviewed clinical studies and long-term follow-ups demonstrating favorable and stable results when properly applied. As with grafting, careful case selection and execution are essential.
Most patients report minimal postoperative discomfort. Pain is typically well controlled with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) for the first one to three days. In our experience, prescription narcotics are rarely required.
In routine cases, prescription pain medications and antibiotics are generally not required. This reflects the minimally traumatic nature of the procedure and the absence of large incisions or donor sites. Specific medical conditions may alter this recommendation on an individual basis.
Because PST® avoids incisions, sutures, and donor harvesting, recovery is typically rapid. Most patients return to normal daily activities quickly, often within a day. Postoperative instructions are still important, but overall downtime is significantly less than with traditional grafting procedures.
The cost of the Pinhole® Surgical Technique is generally comparable to traditional grafting procedures, though it varies depending on the number of teeth treated, case complexity, and individual clinical considerations. Because grafting procedures are more common historically, their fees are often easier to find published; however, this does not mean PST® is inherently more expensive.
Insurance coverage varies widely based on the patient’s individual plan, annual maximums, and specific policy language. Coverage for gum recession treatment is often determined by diagnosis rather than technique. Each patient’s benefits must be reviewed individually, and our office works with patients to help clarify potential coverage and out-of-pocket cost.