CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique in Chattanooga, TN

A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Traditional Gum Grafting

  • See cosmetic improvement right away when gum recession affects your smile
  • Return to normal activities in 24 to 48 hours
  • Experience minimal pain, swelling, and bleeding after treatment
  • Table of Contents
    Table of Contents

    Does This Sound Like Your Smile?

    Receding gums often creep in slowly, and many people don’t notice until their teeth start looking longer or feeling sensitive. If any of these sound familiar, you’re far from alone, and gentle solutions exist.
  • Teeth that look longer than before
  • Sharp sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Exposed roots near the gumline
  • Worry about losing a tooth
  • Hiding your smile in photos
  • Gums that keep pulling back
  • Recognizing these signs is the first step. With the right treatment, your gumline can be restored and your comfort protected.

    What Happens If You Wait

  • Deeper Recession

    Gum tissue continues pulling back, exposing more of each tooth root over time.

  • Growing Sensitivity

    Exposed roots react more painfully to temperature, making everyday meals uncomfortable.

  • Root Decay Risk

    Uncovered roots lack enamel protection and become more vulnerable to decay.

  • More Complex Care

    Advanced recession may require grafting or multiple procedures down the road.

  • Possible Tooth Loss

    Untreated recession can weaken support and put teeth at genuine risk.

  • Rising Costs

    Waiting often means more involved treatment and greater expense later.

  • Acting now means a simpler treatment and a healthier, more confident smile sooner.

    What Is the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique?

    The CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique is a modern way to treat receding gums without traditional gum grafting. Instead of cutting tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitching it into place, we make a small opening with a needle and gently guide your existing gum tissue over the exposed roots. Because there’s no cutting or suturing, most people experience minimal swelling, bleeding, and discomfort while enjoying instant cosmetic improvement.

    At Chattanooga Dental Studio, we use careful evaluation and gentle instruments to reposition your gums with precision. Patients seeking the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique in Chattanooga benefit from a personalized approach that protects your natural tissue and matches treatment to your unique gumline.

  • Suture-free and scalpel-free treatment
  • Most patients return to normal activities in 24 to 48 hours
  • Uses your own existing gum tissue
  • Transformations That Last

    Watch real patients share how their dental journey restored not just their smiles, but their quality of life. These personal stories capture the relief and joy that come with comprehensive, caring treatment.

    Brenda

    “Now I smile with confidence, thanks to my full mouth transformation”

    Tina

    “I cried when I saw it, thanks to my full arch implants”

    Be our Next Success Story!

    Book Your Appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

    See What's Possible for Your Smile

    These aren’t just teeth; they’re life-changing transformations that restore confidence and comfort. Each before-and-after photo represents a patient who trusted us with their smile journey.
    After
    Before
    After
    Before

    Be our Next Success Story!

    Book Your Appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

    Is the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique Right for You?

    Many people assume gum treatment means painful grafting, so they wonder whether a gentler path is even possible for them. The good news is that a wide range of patients with gum recession qualify for this technique. Candidacy is often broader than most expect.
  • Have noticed your gums pulling back over time
  • Currently avoid grafting because of the recovery involved
  • Want to protect exposed roots from sensitivity and decay
  • Have been told you need traditional gum surgery
  • Prefer a minimally invasive option with quick recovery
  • Not Sure Where You Stand?

    Uncertainty about qualifying is completely normal with any gum treatment. A consultation lets us evaluate your gumline and recession pattern, then recommend whether the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique is the ideal fit for your smile and long-term health.

    What to Expect During Your Pinhole Treatment

    Our patients often tell us they felt nervous beforehand and pleasantly surprised afterward by how smooth the experience was. Every step of the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique is designed around your comfort and peace of mind.
    1

    Consultation and Assessment

    We begin by examining your gumline and the extent of recession, sometimes using digital imaging to see the full picture. You'll talk through your concerns and goals with us, and we'll explain exactly how the treatment works. By the end of this visit, you'll understand your options and feel confident about the path forward.

    2

    Comfortable Preparation

    On treatment day, we apply a local anesthetic to keep the area fully numb and relaxed. We take time to make sure you're settled and at ease before anything begins. For patients who feel anxious, we can discuss sedation options to help you stay calm. You'll feel supported and cared for from the moment you sit down.

    3

    Gentle Gum Repositioning

    Using a small needle, we create a tiny opening in the gum tissue near the treatment area. With specially designed instruments, we loosen and guide your gum tissue over the exposed roots, no cutting or stitching required. You may feel light pressure, but most patients are surprised by how gentle it feels. Your restored gumline takes shape right away.

    4

    Immediate Results and Comfort

    Once your gums are positioned, we place small collagen strips to hold everything securely in place while you heal. You'll see cosmetic improvement immediately, and we'll walk you through simple care instructions. Most patients leave feeling comfortable and return to normal activities within a day or two.

    Ready for a Healthier, More Confident Smile?

    Recovering From Your Pinhole Treatment

    Most patients are surprised by how gentle recovery from the CHAO Pinhole Surgical Technique feels compared to traditional grafting. Healing takes a little time, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

    First 24-48 Hours

    You may notice mild swelling or tenderness around the treated area, which is completely normal. Stick to soft foods, rest when you can, and avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers. Most patients find any discomfort easily managed with over-the-counter relief and are back to daily routines quickly.

    First Week

    As your gums settle into their new position, tenderness continues to fade day by day. You'll want to keep chewing on softer foods and follow gentle care around the treatment site. By the end of the week, most patients feel comfortable and notice their gumline looking healthier and fuller.

    Every smile heals a little differently, so we’ll give you a personalized aftercare plan with clear, simple instructions tailored to your treatment. You’ll also have direct access to our team whenever questions come up.

    Questions About Recovery? We're here to help.

    Flexible Payment Plans for Your Smile

    We believe everyone deserves quality dental care, regardless of budget. Our flexible financing options and in-house payment plans help you get the treatment you need with comfortable monthly payments that work for your situation.
    Bite-sized payments, big smiles! Cherry Payment Plans offer easy-to-use financing options to make your dental care more accessible.

    CareCredit works like a credit card built just for healthcare. If you qualify, you get no-interest financing for over 24 months, with no annual fees and no pre-payment penalties.
    Sunbit technology approves 85% of applicants for dental financing from $50 to $20,000 with flexible pay-over-time options.
    Streamline your dental care investment with Proceed Finance. Their flexible plans make achieving your smile goals easy and affordable.

    Don't Wait to Smile. Check out Our Payment Options.

    Common Struggles We Hear From Patients

    When missing teeth or failing dentures affect your daily life, even simple moments become difficult. These are the struggles patients describe before they find a lasting solution.

    Still Have Questions?

    Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our office, and a team member will be happy to help.

    Meet Our Doctors

    A Husband and Wife Team You Can Trust

    Dr. Chris and Dr. Amber Robertson built a practice that feels like home from the moment you walk in. Together they focus on cosmetic, family, and restorative care, using advanced laser technology and same-day crowns to keep your visit comfortable and efficient.
    Dr. Chris Robertson earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences College of Dentistry and cares for patients of every age, from routine cleanings to implants, crowns, and sedation dentistry for anxious visitors. He builds each plan around your goals, schedule, and budget. Outside the office, he is an avid hiker and bird watcher who spends weekends with his daughters.
    Dr. Amber Robertson graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Dentistry after years of research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She leads our laser and implant care, from same-day CEREC crowns to TMJ relief. In her free time she enjoys pilates, hiking, and gardening with her daughters.

    Become Our Next Success Story!

    What Patients Say

    Real Stories From Patients Who Found Their Confidence Again

    Our patients share how we’ve helped them regain confidence, comfort, and the freedom to smile again. With hundreds of five-star reviews, their stories reflect the personalized care and lasting results you can expect.
    My wife was terrified of dentist, they made her feel at ease, with the warm welcome, and understanding. I’d recommend this dental office to anyone

    Dickie Bass

    6 months ago
    Thank you Dr. Chris, Micaela, Chloe, Cassi and the entire Dental Studio staff for a pleasant and stress free dental appointment!

    Danielle Sackett

    7 months ago
    I had a GREAT experience! The front desk staff were very friendly and welcoming, Rebecca did a wonderful, pain free job cleaning my teeth, and Dr. Chris took his time and was willing to listen to any concerns I had.

    Forest Sackett

    7 months ago
    I have been going here for years. They are wonderful people throughout the whole building. I love honesty and that is all you receive from Dr. Chris Roberson!! I have nothing but great experiences.

    Brent Davis

    7 months ago
    The staff in the front were so friendly and so was the dental hygienist, Jodi! Would definitely recommend them to anyone and everyone looking for a dentist!

    Erica Carrick

    7 months ago
    Such an amazing place. The kindest and most professional staff. Thanks to each of you for taking care of such a coward and Dr Chris thank you for giving me the smile that I have waited for, for two years I appreciate all of your patience, The questions that I had and the Uneasiness that I felt when you told me everything that had to be done. I felt that you explained everything so simply and eased all the apprehension that I had. I look forward to being with you guys as a forever patient. The process was worth it all.

    Tina Cline

    8 months ago

    Join the Patients Who Smile with Confidence Every Day

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    Our studio welcomes patients from Chattanooga, Hixson, and Ooltewah in a space designed to feel warm and familiar from the moment you walk in. Wherever you’re coming from, a comfortable visit is always close by.

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    Move toward a fuller gumline

    Take a Step Toward Gum Coverage with No Cutting or Stitching

  • See instant cosmetic results after treatment
  • Return to normal activities in 24 to 48 hours
  • Enjoy gum coverage without cuts or stitches
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    Contact us today and experience the difference of personalized, compassionate dental care.

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