The original · IJPRD 2012
81.2%
Complete root coverage in Class I–II sites, with 94.0% mean defect reduction, a 22.3-minute mean surgery time, and 95.1% patient satisfaction.
The complete evidence library
Peer-reviewed research on the Pinhole® Surgical Technique spanning 2012–2026—from the original study and the 14.5-year follow-up to the randomized trial and independent case series from around the world.
Start with the flagships
The original feasibility study, the longest follow-up published to date, and the randomized head-to-head against the grafting gold standard.
The original · IJPRD 2012
Complete root coverage in Class I–II sites, with 94.0% mean defect reduction, a 22.3-minute mean surgery time, and 95.1% patient satisfaction.
Longest follow-up · IJPRD 2025
Mean root-defect coverage maintained at a mean 14.5 years across 68 Class I–II sites—with 77.9% complete coverage.
Randomized trial · Compendium 2025
Split-mouth trial in 36 patients: root coverage and recession reduction statistically equivalent to the connective-tissue graft—without the second surgical site.
By Dr. Chao and collaborators
Original research, the randomized trial, long-term follow-ups, and supporting protocols from the technique’s inventor and his co-investigators.
Int J Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry · 2012 · Chao — the original study: 81.2% complete coverage in Class I–II sites, 94.0% mean defect reduction, 22.3-minute mean surgery time, 95.1% patient satisfaction.
Int J Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry · 2025 · Chao, Reyes Rosales, El Chaar, Shibly, Al-Sabbagh, Ma — 28 patients, 68 Class I–II sites at a mean 14.5 years: 86.6% mean defect coverage, 77.9% complete coverage.
Compendium 46(1) · 2025 · Shibly, Chao, Albandar, Almehmadi, Al-Sabbagh — 36 patients, 1 year: root coverage 63.6% vs 65.4% and recession reduction 1.97 vs 1.98 mm, statistically equivalent.
University at Buffalo, Periodontics · 2020 · Shibly, Chao — the randomized, split-mouth, double-blinded protocol behind the trial: 52 subjects, endpoints through 24 months.
Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry · 2024 · Chao, Shibly, Tso, Ma — PST® combined with surgical crown shortening: complete coverage on maxillary teeth and near-complete on mandibular incisors.
Perio-Implant Advisory · 2025 · Froum, Chao — PRF as a natural scaffold: greater keratinized tissue width, better coverage, and reduced postoperative pain versus PST® alone.
Journal of Clinical Dentistry and Oral Care 4(2) · 2026 · Chao, Mishail, Safa, Reyes Rosales — a custom-fit appliance that protects healing surgical sites while allowing brushing of exposed crowns.
Il Dentista Moderno · 2014 · Chao, Shanelec — the microsurgical origins of PST® and how it compares with free connective-tissue grafting.
Independent research
Investigations by unaffiliated clinicians and universities—including imaging studies, biomaterial comparisons, and multi-site case series.
J Indian Society of Periodontology 21(6) · 2017 · Reddy — independent case series of 18 sites: 96.7% mean root coverage with minimal complications.
Imaging Science in Dentistry 53(1) · 2023 · Shahmirzadi et al. — 3D CBCT imaging after PST® showed an average alveolar bone gain of more than 0.5 mm.
J Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry 36(2) · 2023 · Trivedi, Kolte, Kolte, Deshpande — randomized comparison across 165 sites; adding A-PRF improved depth, width, thickness, and esthetic scores.
Advances in Human Biology · 2024 · Patel et al. — significant 12-month improvement in recession depth, width, and attachment using an amniotic-membrane allograft.
Contemporary Clinical Dentistry 11(1) · 2020 · Agarwal et al. — 20 esthetic-zone sites with T-PRF membrane: 87% root coverage at six months with high patient satisfaction.
Contemporary Clinical Dentistry 10(4) · 2019 · Sharma, Dureja, Arora — two documented cases with complete root coverage and minimal discomfort.
Int J Surgery Case Reports · 2021 · Mostafa, Mandil — propolis root conditioning alongside PST®: enhanced healing and minimal postoperative complications.
Int J Scientific and Research Publications · 2021 · Choudhury et al. — both membranes achieved positive root coverage and gingival regeneration in Class I recession.
Advances in Dentistry & Oral Health 13(1) · 2020 · Mostafa et al. — review of multiple-site treatment in a single appointment without donor sites or graft exposure.
J Dental Sciences and Oral Rehabilitation · 2020 · Gaba et al. — documented case highlighting reduced discomfort and strong esthetic results.
Advances in Dentistry & Oral Health 4(3) · 2017 · Al-Almaie — review reporting up to 94% defect reduction with minimal postoperative complications.
Professional reviews and press
Clinical reviews and professional coverage discussing where PST® fits in practice.
Journal of the California Dental Association · Beck — in-depth professional review of benefits, limitations, patient selection, and long-term considerations.
Dental Economics · 2022 · Froum — decade-long evaluation reporting 81% complete root coverage in Class I–II defects.
A Closer Look · 2018 · Zalesky — how PST® integrates with restorative and esthetic treatment planning.
Colgate · 2023 · medically reviewed consumer overview citing 96.7% root-coverage success and 95% esthetic satisfaction.
For dentists
The free webinar covers the technique, case selection, and implementation—presented by Dr. Chao.