Pinhole Academy

Pinhole Academy The Pinhole Academy is the training center for The Pinhole Surgical Technique. Invented by Dr. Chao

The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST®), invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S., is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for correcting gum recession. Through a small pinhole made by a needle, Dr. Chao uses specially designed instruments to gently loosen the gum tissue and glide it over the receded part of the tooth. Since there is no cutting or stitching, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Most patients also are pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement.

Clinical Observation — Gingival RecessionCase Identification• Procedure: Pinhole® Surgical Technique• Tooth/Teeth: #4, ...
01/26/2026

Clinical Observation — Gingival Recession

Case Identification
• Procedure: Pinhole® Surgical Technique
• Tooth/Teeth: #4, #5, #12
• Procedure date: 12/16/25
• Post-operative interval: 6 weeks

This case documents the intermediate healing phase following treatment of gingival recession using the Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

At 6 weeks post-procedure, the treated sites demonstrate improved tissue thickness, reduced marginal inflammation, and stable soft-tissue adaptation consistent with biologic remodeling. Final gingival margin position has not yet declared, as healing and maturation are ongoing.

📸 Baseline → 6-week post-operative observation

The Pinhole® Surgical Technique was developed by Dr. John Chao as a biologically guided, minimally invasive approach to gingival recession management.



Clinical Observation — Gingival RecessionCase IdentificationProcedure: Pinhole® Surgical Technique with collagen membran...
01/08/2026

Clinical Observation — Gingival Recession

Case Identification
Procedure: Pinhole® Surgical Technique with collagen membrane
Tooth/Teeth: #1-6, 11, 13-20, 22-31
Procedure date: 05/13/24
Post-operative interval: 4 Months
Procedure time: 11:24 AM – 12:20 PM

This case documents the intermediate maturation phase following treatment of generalized gingival recession using the Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

As noted in the operative record from May 13, 2024, the primary clinical objective was to augment the gingival biotype ("thicken the tissue") to restore the osseous-gingival interface. A resorbable collagen membrane was utilized to support the repositioned soft tissue during the initial healing window.

At 4 months post-procedure, the treated sites demonstrate:
Increased tissue thickness and biotype conversion
Resolution of marginal inflammation
Stabilization of the gingival margin position relative to the CEJ

While initial healing is complete, the tissue continues to undergo biologic remodeling. The clinical focus remains on maintaining a stable environment to allow the patient’s biology to finalize the long-term tissue position.

The Pinhole® Surgical Technique was developed by Dr. John Chao as a biologically guided, minimally invasive approach to the management of gingival recession.

For additional information: www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com

🎂💙 A special moment in our office todayToday, Dr. Chao took a moment to celebrate the birthday of one of our Pinhole® Su...
01/07/2026

🎂💙 A special moment in our office today
Today, Dr. Chao took a moment to celebrate the birthday of one of our Pinhole® Surgical Technique patients — because care goes beyond treatment, it’s about connection.

A few smiles, a birthday wish, and genuine appreciation for the trust our patients place in us. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do every day.

Happy Birthday from all of us at Pinhole Academy — we’re honored to be part of your journey ✨🦷💐

Clinical Observation — Gingival RecessionCase IdentificationProcedure: Pinhole® Surgical TechniqueTooth/Teeth: #5, 6, 7...
01/07/2026

Clinical Observation — Gingival Recession

Case Identification
Procedure: Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Tooth/Teeth: #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Procedure date: 01/06/2026
Post-operative interval: Immediate
Procedure time: 11:35 AM – 1:05 PM (1 hr 30 mins)

This case documents the immediate post-operative presentation following treatment of generalized gingival recession at teeth #5-12 using the Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a minimally invasive method designed to reposition gingival tissue without scalpel incisions or sutures.

At the immediate conclusion of the procedure, the treated site demonstrates:

Coronal advancement of the gingival margin across the maxillary anterior and premolar sextants relative to the pre-operative baseline.

Immediate coverage of exposed root surfaces.

Initial stabilization of the mucogingival complex via collagen membrane strips.

At this stage, the final resting position of the gingival margin has not yet declared, as continued biologic remodeling is expected. The clinical objective of the procedure was to establish a stable soft-tissue environment and allow the patient’s own biology to determine long-term tissue position.

The Pinhole® Surgical Technique was developed by Dr. John Chao as a biologically guided, minimally invasive approach to the management of gingival recession.

For additional information: www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com

Clinical Observation — Gingival RecessionProcedure: Pinhole® Surgical TechniqueTeeth Treated: #4, #5, #12Procedure da...
01/07/2026

Clinical Observation — Gingival Recession

Procedure: Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Teeth Treated: #4, #5, #12
Procedure date: December 16, 2025
Post-operative interval: Early healing phase
Procedure time: 11:15 AM – 11:54 AM

This case documents the early healing phase following treatment of localized gingival recession at teeth #4, #5, and #12 using the Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a minimally invasive method designed to reposition gingival tissue without scalpel incisions or sutures.

At this stage of healing, the treated sites demonstrate:

Increased soft-tissue thickness along the marginal gingiva

Improved tissue continuity across previously exposed root surfaces

Mild residual erythema consistent with normal early biologic remodeling

At this stage, the final resting position of the gingival margin has not yet declared, as continued biologic remodeling is expected. The clinical objective of the procedure was to establish a stable soft-tissue environment and allow the patient’s own biology to determine long-term tissue position.

The Pinhole® Surgical Technique was developed by Dr. John Chao as a biologically guided, minimally invasive approach to the management of gingival recession.

For additional information:
www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com






🎄 Holiday Cheer from Our Office 🎄We’re so grateful for another year of wonderful patients, dedicated colleagues, and an ...
12/22/2025

🎄 Holiday Cheer from Our Office 🎄

We’re so grateful for another year of wonderful patients, dedicated colleagues, and an incredible team that makes everything we do possible.

This season, we took a moment to celebrate together—sharing laughs, good food, and gratitude for the work we’re fortunate to do every day.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a healthy, happy New Year.
—Dr. Chao & Team

🦃🎉Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Chao’s office and friends! We’re always thankful to our wonderful patients who always brin...
11/26/2025

🦃🎉Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Chao’s office and friends!
We’re always thankful to our wonderful patients who always brings us many sweet treats throughout the week.
We wish everyone a wonderful holiday 🥰
Don’t forget to brush after your feast!

✨ Dr. Chao loves capturing special moments with patients — and what better way to remember it than with a fun cartoon ke...
09/04/2025

✨ Dr. Chao loves capturing special moments with patients — and what better way to remember it than with a fun cartoon keepsake?

✨ 3-Month Pinhole® Results ✨See the power of the Pinhole® Surgical Technique—stable gum coverage, healthy tissue, and no...
08/20/2025

✨ 3-Month Pinhole® Results ✨

See the power of the Pinhole® Surgical Technique—stable gum coverage, healthy tissue, and no grafts or sutures… all in just one visit. At 3 months, this case shows predictable healing and lasting esthetics with minimal patient downtime.

🎉 1-Week Follow-Up! 🎉Just wanted to share an early update on a recent upper arch case using the Pinhole Surgical Techniq...
07/29/2025

🎉 1-Week Follow-Up! 🎉
Just wanted to share an early update on a recent upper arch case using the Pinhole Surgical Technique®.

We saw the patient back one week post-op, and everything is looking great so far. Still early, but very pleased with how things are progressing. Excited to continue following this case and see the final results take shape over the coming months!

Here’s a look at combined treatment of severe gingival recession with a frenectomy and the Pinhole® Surgical Technique —...
06/11/2025

Here’s a look at combined treatment of severe gingival recession with a frenectomy and the Pinhole® Surgical Technique — all performed in one session:

📸 Before → 6 Months Update

With just one appointment, gum recession was corrected with:
✅ Minimal Operating Time
✅ Cosmetic excellence
✅ Minimal downtime

Contact us if you’re interested in getting Pinhole done today!

🦷 PST CASE SPOTLIGHT – 8-Month Follow-UpTreating Gingival RecessionHere’s a before-and-after transformation using the Pi...
05/28/2025

🦷 PST CASE SPOTLIGHT – 8-Month Follow-Up
Treating Gingival Recession

Here’s a before-and-after transformation using the Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

💭 Would you have done anything differently? Let’s hear your approach.
👇 Comment with your technique, tools, or follow-up protocol.

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Alhambra, CA
91801

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Our Story

The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST®), invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S., is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for correcting gum recession. Through a small pinhole made by a needle, Dr. Chao uses specially designed instruments to gently loosen the gum tissue and glide it over the receded part of the tooth. Since there is no cutting or stitching, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Most patients also are pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement.