Gum Treatments
Pinhole Surgical Technique™ (PST™)
Scalpel-Free, Suture-Free Treatment for Receding Gums
Restoring your gums should be comfortable, minimally invasive and aesthetically transformative. Gum recession, where tissue pulls back and exposes sensitive tooth roots, can affect your smile, cause temperature sensitivity and leave teeth vulnerable to root decay.
Historically, correcting receding gums meant invasive grafting surgery, where tissue was cut from the roof of the mouth and stitched onto the gums. We offer an internationally acclaimed alternative: the Pinhole Surgical Technique™. As one of a select few certified practices in South Australia trained to perform PST™, we restore a natural-looking gumline without incisions, donor tissue or stitches.
25+Years dental experience- No stitchesCollagen strips instead
- Multiple teethIn a single session
- Next dayMost return to normal
What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique™?
Developed by Dr John Chao, the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ is a patented, micro-invasive procedure that corrects gum recession and restores a healthy, youthful gumline.
Rather than cutting donor tissue from the palate, a tiny pinhole-sized entry point is made in the existing gum above the exposed roots. Specialised instruments gently loosen and slide the healthy gum tissue back over the roots, and bio-absorbable collagen strips hold it in place while it heals.
Performing PST™ requires specialised training and delicate instrument skills, so it is offered by only a small number of practices in Australia. Led by Dr Renu Karn, with over 25 years of clinical experience, we have invested in the instrumentation and training to bring it to our Adelaide patients.
Causes of Gum Recession
Understanding the cause helps protect your long-term results.
Over-aggressive brushing
Brushing too hard or with hard bristles wears away delicate gum margins.
Gum disease
Plaque-driven inflammation destroys connective tissue and bone support.
Thin gum biotype
Naturally thin gum tissue is more susceptible to wear and recession.
Grinding & clenching
Excessive biting forces flex teeth at the gumline, causing tissue loss (abfraction).
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy and menopause can make gum tissue more sensitive.
Why Treating Receding Gums Matters
Exposed roots lack the protective enamel found on the crowns of teeth. Left untreated, recession can lead to:
Root Sensitivity
Sharp, painful sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods.
Root Decay & Tooth Loss
A higher risk of aggressive root cavities.
Notches at the Gumline
Groove-like wear near the gums.
An Aged Smile
An uneven, “long in the tooth” appearance.
Pinhole Surgical Technique™ vs Traditional Gum Grafting
The PST™ Procedure, Step by Step
The whole procedure usually takes under an hour and can treat multiple teeth or entire arches in one relaxed appointment.
- 1
Periodontal Assessment
We measure the extent of recession and evaluate your oral health to confirm PST™ is right for you.
- 2
Preparation & Numbing
The area is carefully cleaned and a local anaesthetic keeps you comfortable throughout.
- 3
Creating the Pinhole
Dr Karn creates a tiny entry point in the gum above the affected teeth.
- 4
Repositioning the Tissue
Patented PST™ instruments gently loosen and glide the gum tissue to cover the exposed roots.
- 5
Collagen Stabilisation
Bio-absorbable collagen strips hold the new gumline in place while it heals naturally, without stitches.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is remarkably quick. You’ll notice an immediate improvement, the pinhole typically disappears within 24 to 48 hours, and most patients return to work the next day.
Gentle Rinsing
Use the prescribed antibacterial mouthwash rather than brushing the treated area for the first few days.
Soft Food Diet
Stick to soft foods for the first week so the collagen strips stay in place.
Gentle Brushing
Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions once cleared by your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions About PST™
Are the results permanent?
Once the repositioned tissue heals and reattaches, the results are long-lasting. Good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and avoiding hard-bristled toothbrushes will keep your new gumline healthy.
Does PST™ hurt?
Because there are no scalpels or stitches, discomfort is minimal. Local anaesthetic keeps you comfortable during the procedure, and patients report much less soreness than with grafting.
How long does an appointment take?
Treating a single area or a whole arch usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Am I a suitable candidate?
Most people with receding gums are good candidates. Active gum infection or severe bone loss must be treated first, and Dr Karn will confirm suitability at your consultation.
How much does PST™ cost in Adelaide?
Because PST™ can treat multiple teeth in one session without donor tissue, it is often more cost-effective than multiple grafting surgeries. We provide a fully transparent, itemised treatment plan at your consultation. Private health fund rebates (HICAPS) are processed on site, and flexible interest-free payment options (Afterpay, Zip and DentiCare) are available.
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Interested in pinhole gum treatment?
Book an appointment with our experienced team today. Start with a comprehensive new patient exam, and we’ll talk you through whether pinhole gum treatment could be right for you.
New patient specials
$199 New Patient OfferComprehensive exam, Digital X-rays (if required), Discuss your treatment options $299 New Patient Starter PackComprehensive exam, Digital X-rays (if required), Intra-oral images*New patients only. X-rays only where clinically required. T&Cs apply.
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