Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)

Welcome to Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA, a family periodontal dentistry practice.

“The staff was very nice and accommodating. This was an unexpected procedure and they provided great care. I would highly recommend Ann Kearney Astolfi, DMD, PC and her staff.”
Susan R.

Unhealthy gums can compromise your entire smile. Unfortunately, the first phases of gum disease happen so subtly, patients rarely notice. Tooth sensitivity and inflammation are some of the first signs of receding gums.

It’s important to treat receding gums as early as possible because the gums protect the tooth root from bacteria and their deterioration can leave teeth vulnerable to decay. Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA offers Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique as an alternative to gum treatments performed with scalpels and sutures. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that helps restore the gum line and is done quickly and comfortably, right in our office.

Ann Kearney Astolfi, DMD, PC makes a small hole in the gums using a special instrument and gently moves some of the loose tissue over the receded areas. This technique enables the gums to heal in their new position without the use of stitches, special gels, connective tissue grafts, or other materials.

This minimally invasive treatment for receding gums is an attractive alternative to traditional surgery and will help you feel confident knowing your smile’s future is secure.

ann kearney astolfi bethlehem PA services pinhole surgical technique
ann kearney astolfi bethlehem PA services pinhole surgical technique
ann kearney astolfi bethlehem PA smile gallery Before and After Pinhole Technique
ann kearney astolfi bethlehem PA smile gallery Before and After Pinhole Technique

Nervous?

We’ll help you relax.

Dental anxiety is very common. But, don't let it keep you from coming to our periodontal dentistry office for a visit. Missed care can lead to the need for more extensive and invasive work down the road.

At Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA, we want you to feel comfortable and at ease while we make sure your teeth and gums are getting the help they need. That’s why we offer an array of relaxing sedation options for our patients, ranging from gentle laughing gas to IV sedation.

Here’s how the process works:

ann kearney astolfi bethlehem PA Make an appointment icon

Call to request a consultation.

We know it can be challenging to find a good time. We’ll work with you to schedule a time that suits you.
ann kearney astolfi bethlehem PA Get meticulous attention icon

Have a gentle
treatment.

During your appointment, our caring staff will help you feel at home, keep your comfort a priority, and ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible.
ann kearney astolfi bethlehem PA Enjoy icon

Enjoy a
beautiful smile.

You’ll love the ease of treatment and quick healing time to restore your gums back to health!

Post-Op Instructions – Pinhole Surgical Technique

What you can expect as a result of your Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure.

Post-Op Instructions

  1. NO BRUSHING OVER SURGICAL SITE
  2. NO FLOSSING AND NO WATERPIK
  3. NO TOUCHING THE AREA (with a finger, tongue or any other device/object)
  4. DO NOT USE cotton swabs, cloth or any other soft or hard object to clean area
  5. DO NOT sleep with you hands under your cheek where the surgery was done
  6. NO facial massages or no massaging that area of the face for any reason
  7. NO PULLING ON YOUR CHEEK TO PEEK: Do not obsess over worry about the appearance of gums for the first 6 weeks
  8. NO HEAVY RINSING/SWISHING with the mouthwash (no chipmunk cheeks)
  9. DO NOT play wind instruments
  10. DO NOT suck on straws
  11. DO NOT blow up balloons
  12. NO mints or chewing gum over surgical area
  13. NO spitting
  14. NO smoking of any kind or use of chewing tobacco
  15. NO clenching or grinding of the teeth. WEAR PRESCRIBED BITE APPLIANCE, if instructed. PLEASE BRING WITH YOU TO ALL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR TO CHECK (e.g., retainers, Invisalign, Snap On Smile, etc.)
  16. No heavy lifting or vigorous aerobic activity for the first 3 weeks
  17. No snorkeling for 6 months
  18. PLACE ICE OVER AREA at 20 minute intervals for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling
    DO NOT BE ALARMED ABOUT SLIGHT SWELLING OR BRUISING FOR THE FIRST WEEK
  19. DO NOT EAT crunchy or sticky foods that get stuck on or between your teeth
    EXPECT cold sensitivity for the first 6 weeks or longer. PLEASE REPORT any sensitivity during post-operative visits
  20. SLIGHT DISCOMFORT IS NORMAL; It is important to take the Motrin (Ibuprofen) 600mg as directed, one 600mg tab every 4-6 hours for the first 2 days and as needed after that
    CALL US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE SUDDEN INCREASED PAIN, CONTINUOUS BLEEDING, OR HEAT FROM THE SURGICAL SITE
  21. Patient MUST return to our office 1 week after surgery, 3 weeks after surgery, and 6 six weeks after surgery for post-operative visits
  22. AFTER THE 6TH WEEK, you may brush the surgical area with the special extra soft toothbrush given to you for the following 6 months

Call Ann Kearney Astolfi in Bethlehem, PA today at 610.882.1501 to schedule an appointment!

Your local periodontal dentistry team: 2299 Brodhead Road, Suite F, Bethlehem, PA 18020.