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Minimally invasive
Treatment uses a small access point rather than a traditional graft incision where clinically appropriate.
Pinhole Surgical Technique · Beverly Hills
Gum recession can affect oral health, sensitivity, and the appearance of your smile. Sterling offers the Pinhole Surgical Technique for appropriate cases after a careful periodontal evaluation.

What is Pinhole?
The Pinhole Surgical Technique uses a small access point in the gum tissue. Through that opening, the clinician gently repositions existing tissue over exposed tooth roots and stabilizes it with collagen material.
Because recession patterns and tissue quality differ, Pinhole is not right for every site or every patient. Suitability can only be determined through a professional examination.
Why patients consider this treatment
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Treatment uses a small access point rather than a traditional graft incision where clinically appropriate.
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The technique generally avoids traditional sutures when the anatomy and treatment plan permit it.
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The approach focuses on carefully repositioning the patient’s existing gum tissue.
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Some patients may experience a shorter recovery than with traditional grafting, though healing varies.
Who may be a candidate?
Visible gum recession, exposed tooth roots, sensitivity, or concern about an uneven gumline are common reasons to seek an evaluation.
Patients interested in alternatives to traditional gum grafting may also wish to discuss Pinhole. An examination is needed to assess periodontal health, recession severity, tissue quality, and anatomy before recommending treatment.
Treatment comparison
Neither treatment is universally better. The right approach depends on the location and severity of recession, available tissue, periodontal health, anatomy, and Dr. Khaled’s evaluation.
| Consideration | This treatment | Traditional approach |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue approach | Repositions existing gum tissue through a small access point. | May add donor or substitute tissue to the treatment site. |
| Incisions and sutures | No traditional graft incision or sutures where applicable. | Typically involves an incision and sutures. |
| Case selection | Appropriate for selected recession patterns and tissue conditions. | May be preferred for sites requiring added tissue thickness or coverage. |
| Treatment decision | Chosen after periodontal and anatomical evaluation. | Chosen after the same careful clinical evaluation. |

Why Sterling
Dr. Khaled is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has more than 18 years of specialty experience in periodontics and implant dentistry.
At Sterling Periodontics & Implantology in Beverly Hills, each recommendation begins with a careful evaluation of periodontal health, anatomy, and treatment goals.
Patient perspectives
“The most thorough and gentle care I have received in years. Dr. Khaled explained every step before he began, and the staff made the visit feel calm.”
“I came in for a second opinion and left with a plan that felt honest. The staff treat you like a guest, not a patient, and the work was painless.”
Frequently asked
Contributors can include periodontal disease, brushing trauma, tooth position, thin tissue, bite forces, and other anatomical factors. An examination helps identify what may be contributing in your case.
It is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small access point to reposition existing gum tissue over exposed roots in appropriate cases.
No. Traditional grafting adds tissue, while Pinhole generally repositions existing tissue. Each can be appropriate for different clinical situations.
Candidacy depends on your recession pattern, tissue quality, periodontal health, anatomy, and treatment goals. Dr. Khaled can assess these during a consultation.
Recovery varies by patient and the number of areas treated. The team will provide site-specific instructions after evaluating and planning your treatment.
Appointment length depends on the number and location of sites being treated. A personalized estimate is provided after evaluation.
Coverage varies by plan and clinical indication. Sterling can help review available benefits after your treatment needs are evaluated.
Cost depends on the number of sites and the treatment plan. Sterling provides a written estimate after an evaluation and offers financing options for qualifying patients.