Q: What is Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?
A: This technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is scalpel and suture free. All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique were created by Dr. John Chao.
Q: How does Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique differ from traditional gum grafting?
A: Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order 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 without cutting and suturing can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
Q: What are the benefits of Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique?
A: There are many benefits of the PST:
Q: I am swollen! Is that normal?
A: Yes. It is normal to see swelling for the first few days to weeks after the appointment. To minimize swelling please following the Fantastic Four Wellness sheet, we will go over this with you at your consultation appointment. You may also ice your cheeks and jawline (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 48 hours as much as possible.
Q: Can I look at the pinhole sites after my appointment?
A: NO. Please do not look at the surgical sites. Pulling on your lip to look at the site creates pulling on the tissue at the site and this can inhibit the healing process.
Q: Can I brush my teeth after I have done the Pinhole surgery?
A: No, you will not be brushing the surgical sites for SIX weeks. You will be prescribed an oral rinse that you will use to keep the area clean. However, you may very carefully brush the back (or tongue side) surface and the chewing surfaces of the treated teeth. You should brush any teeth that did not have surgery. After six weeks, you will brush the treated areas with a soft toothbrush. Do not use an electric toothbrush on these areas for six months.
Q: Can I work out following the appointment?
A: Refrain from any strenuous activity or exercise for at least one week. Then slowly ramp up. If you feel good each day after the first week then you can increase the amount of exercise each day. If you do not feel well the next day or gum areas feel achy then you should back off of exercise.
Q: How long after the surgery am I able to travel?
A: Dr. Lai would like to see you every so often after your procedure, so please check with her to make sure that the timing will work for the both of you.
Q: Can I drink sparkling water, soda or carbonation after my appointment?
A: Please do not drink carbonated beverage for 4 weeks after your surgery.
Q: What about alcoholic beverages?
A: Refrain from drinking any alcohol two days before the surgery and avoid for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Q: Am I allowed to eat salad while I am healing?
A: Do not eat salad for the first six weeks after surgery. This food is considered crunchy and can affect the healing of the surgical sites. To get greens and other vegetables in your diet we recommend steaming vegetables so they are mushy or blending spinach or other greens into a smoothies.