Pinhole Gum Surgery in San Francisco — Chao Pinhole Technique with Dr. Saeidi
Soothing Dental performs pinhole gum surgery — also called the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) — at our Financial District office at 450 Sutter Street in San Francisco, walkable from Union Square, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero, and most downtown hotels. Dr. Saeidi is trained in the Chao technique, the same minimally invasive method developed by Dr. John Chao for treating gum recession without scalpels, sutures, or palatal donor grafts. Patients travel here from across the Bay Area — and from out of state — specifically for this procedure.
How it differs from traditional gum grafting: a conventional connective-tissue or free gingival graft requires the surgeon to remove donor tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitch it onto the receded site. Recovery means a sore palate for one to two weeks, sutures, restricted diet, and visible swelling. Pinhole surgery uses a single small entry hole in the existing gum tissue near the receded area; the dentist gently loosens the tissue from the underlying bone and slides it down to its natural pre-recession position, then anchors it with a small collagen strip. No scalpel cut, no sutures, no second surgical site. Most patients eat normally the same evening and return to work the next day.
Pinhole is appropriate for mild to moderate gum recession on multiple teeth in the same arch, with adequate keratinized tissue still present — Dr. Saeidi will tell you up front whether you are a candidate or whether traditional grafting is the better choice for your specific anatomy. We accept all major PPO plans — Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Guardian, Anthem — and most cover gum recession treatment under periodontal benefits. If you are comparing carriers, our Cigna vs. Aetna comparison details perio coverage. Schedule a complimentary consultation and we will photograph the receded sites, measure recession depth, and put a written treatment plan in your hand.
Pinhole Gum Surgery in San Francisco
Pinhole Surgery with our Dentists
Pinhole surgery treats gum recession in an innovative and minimally invasive way. Rather than cutting tissue from one part of your mouth and stitching it where needed, our certified dentist simply pulls your existing tissue into place. To begin with, our doctor cuts a small “pin-sized” hole in your gum tissue. After that, we loosen the tissue from the bone with gentle pulling. Don’t worry–it reattaches quickly. Next, our dentist pulls your gingiva to its healthy pre-recession levels. Finally, the gum tissue naturally reattached to your bone. No scalpel, no stitches, and no long recovery time!
Our dentists are specially trained and licensed to perform pinhole surgery as well as regular gum grafting. Moreover, our dentists have the experience to know when each of those techniques work. We work hard to create a very relaxed surgical environment; while we gently work on your gums, you relax on a massaging chair, watching Netflix through 3D goggles or listening to your favorite podcast or music. And if you’re still feeling anxious, we can add some soothing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or better yet be sedated.
Your pinhole surgery could be 25% off at our offices
Your dental insurance might cover pinhole surgery, and we’re happy to find out for you. However, most insurers limit their coverage–and most don’t even tell you! We at Soothing Dental want to make quality dentistry accessible and affordable. That’s why we created Soothing Dental Membership Plans. First, our plans impose no annual caps or limits on benefits. Second, our plans cover all of the services we offer, even cosmetic dentistry like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. Third, our plans are very straight-forward, transparent, and honest. So get your pinhole surgery, and a dental implant or two, and unlimited dental fillings, and anything else you need. All in the same year. All covered.
Contact our dentists today for your pinhole surgery
Meet with our dentists today to find out of pinhole surgery technique applies to you. Or come in for a consultation, meet the team, and see what quality dentistry and service look like. We welcome same- or next-day appointments. Simply call or text 415-989-3953 or schedule an appointment online now.
"Highly recommend this dental office. Very friendly staff. Dentist provides all necessary info you need and has patience to explain it all to you. They offer free Uber rides for visits so ask about that."
"I been going to soothing dental for the past 3 years and I am never disappointed. The staff is friendly. The dental hygienist is amazing. She always does a fantastic job on my teeth cleaning."
"By far the best customer service ever that I have been to the Dentist. Edith was beyond great and breaking down my treatment plan, and Emma was great with me. Very much recommended."