Is pinhole gum surgery available in UK?
Mia Smith
Published Jun 21, 2026
Is pinhole gum surgery available in UK?
Pinhole gum surgery does not require stitches and is less invasive than other, alternative procedures. Only a handful of dentists in London can perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (gum rejuvenation).
How much does pinhole gum surgery cost?
The cost of pinhole gum surgery can range anywhere from $2500 to $5,000 per jaw. The average cost is around $3,000. Where the cost falls within that range for one patient depends on a few different factors. It is difficult to say how much the procedure will cost without a consultation.
Who is not a candidate for pinhole gum surgery?
What are contraindications for Pinhole Surgery? Contraindications for Pinhole Surgery include poor homecare, less than 2-3mm attached gums, compromised immune system, smoker, teeth grinding or malocclusion, rampant active decay or periodontal disease.
Is pinhole gum surgery worth it?
Since the blood supply is not cut during the procedure, patients heal at a much faster rate than grafting or coronal flap surgeries. Mean level of patient esthetic satisfaction is 95.1% which makes this a procedure worth recommending. Class I or II root defects result in 100% root coverage 81.2% of the time.
Does NHS do gum grafts?
A flap of the victim’s skin is cut off the palate and some tissue is taken away from beneath the flap and sewn onto gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. This procedure isn’t usually available on the NHS.
Can receding gums be fixed UK?
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it’s not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can’t be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
How long does pinhole gum surgery take?
It takes approximately 10-20 minutes to treat the tissue for a single tooth, and typically the entire procedure can be completed in about one to two hours.
Who is a good candidate for pinhole surgery?
If you have receding, sensitive, or bleeding gums; you are likely a good candidate for pinhole surgery. You must also be free of periodontal disease and inflamed gums, and commit to adopting new hygiene habits to prevent future gum recession.
How much does a gum graft cost UK?
Periodontal (Gum Disease) Treatments
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Surgical Periodontal (gum disease) treatment | From £750.00 |
| Gum Grafting Treatments | From £750.00 |
| Emdogain growth factors | £200.00 |
| Bone graft and membrane (GBR) | £200.00 |
How can I fix my receding gums UK?
In cases of gum recession, your dentist might suggest scaling and root planing. This is a two-part procedure done by your dentist. Firstly, all the plaque and hardened tartar above and below the gum line (where the gum meets the tooth) is removed.
What is pinhole surgery for gum recession treatment?
The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive gum recession treatment that does not involve incisions or stitches. Traditional treatments for gum recession require soft tissue grafts to rebuild the gum line. This soft tissue would be stitched into place to join with the existing tissue as it healed.
Is pinhole dentistry available on the NHS?
This procedure isn’t usually available on the NHS. The treatment takes some time to complete because only 1 or 2 teeth can be treated in a single appointment and it can up to 2 weeks to heal. However, the pinhole surgical technique is less invasive, less painful and there is a shorter healing time.
How does pinhole gum rejuvenation™ work?
Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™ takes just a few minutes per tooth and most importantly, multiple teeth may be treated at the same time, allowing patients to have healthy, normal-looking gums with a minimum of inconvenience. After treatment, patients can resume their normal activities, including eating.
What is the pinhole surgical technique?
The Pinhole surgical technique is less invasive, more efficient and requires little recovery time. Doctor Chao describes the pinhole surgical technique as a ‘suture-free procedure for correcting gum recession’. Instead of cutting the gums a small incision in the gum allowing the insertion of special tools that loosen the gums.