Pinhole gum recession treatment · Beverly Hills
Minimally Invasive Gum Recession Treatment by a Board-Certified Periodontist
The Pinhole Surgical Technique repositions your existing gum tissue through a small access point, for appropriate cases, without taking donor tissue from the roof of your mouth.
Dr. Mohamed Khaled, DDS, MSD
Board-Certified Periodontist · 18+ Years Specialty Experience
Prefer to talk? Call (310) 278-3666
An alternative to traditional grafting for selected cases
- Small access point, no graft incision
- No donor tissue from the palate
- Collagen-supported tissue
- Multiple teeth per visit possible
Specialist gum recession evaluation
Insurance & financing reviewed
- ABP Diplomate
- American Board of Periodontology
- 18+ Years
- Specialty experience
- Written Treatment Plan
- Review before deciding
- Beverly Hills
- 9301 Wilshire Blvd.
Real Sterling patients
Hear It From Our Patients
Patients of Sterling Periodontics, in their own words. Treatments vary from patient to patient.
★★★★★
“Dr. Mohamed Khaled is extremely knowledgeable, and he gets the job done. It's very hard to find an honest, reliable dentist. If you want amazing service with reasonable prices and exceptional work done. See him!”
★★★★★
“I had a wonderful experience at Sterling Periodontics & Implantology. The doctor and the entire staff were kind, professional, and caring throughout my treatment. They took the time to answer my questions and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. I'm very happy with the results, and I truly appreciate all the care I received.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Khaled, explained the options and the situation of my teeth/gum disease. … Afterward he walked me out and down to the parking lot making sure I was ok. … Dr. Khaled responded very quick to my text/messages regarding my post recovery diet questions. The staff were friendly and attentive.”
Reviews quoted verbatim from Sterling's public Google reviews; longer reviews are excerpted. Individual experiences vary.
Your specialist
Dr. Mohamed Khaled, DDS, MSD
Board-certified periodontist with 18+ years of specialty experience. One doctor, from first visit to follow-up.
- Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology
- Board Certified — Periodontology & Implantology
- Certificate in Periodontics & Master of Dental Science (with honors), Indiana University School of Dentistry
- Assistant Professor, Periodontics & Implantology, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (2014)
- Member, American Academy of Periodontology and Academy of Osseointegration
- Read Dr. Khaled's full background
Understanding the treatment
What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
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.
Who usually explores this treatment
- Gums pulling back from one or more teeth
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Sensitivity near the gumline
- Told you need a gum graft
- Looking for an alternative to traditional grafting
Only an exam confirms candidacy. If this treatment isn't right for you, Dr. Khaled explains which alternatives are.
Pinhole vs. traditional gum grafting
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.
Tissue approach
Pinhole technique
Repositions existing gum tissue through a small access point.
Traditional grafting
May add donor or substitute tissue to the treatment site.
Incisions and sutures
Pinhole technique
No traditional graft incision or sutures where applicable.
Traditional grafting
Typically involves an incision and sutures.
Case selection
Pinhole technique
Appropriate for selected recession patterns and tissue conditions.
Traditional grafting
May be preferred for sites requiring added tissue thickness or coverage.
Treatment decision
Pinhole technique
Chosen after periodontal and anatomical evaluation.
Traditional grafting
Chosen after the same careful clinical evaluation.
One specialist treatment plan
What Your Treatment May Include
Depending on your clinical needs, your plan may include the following. Your written plan states exactly what your treatment involves.
- Periodontal evaluationGum health, tissue quality, and anatomy are assessed before any recommendation.
- Recession assessmentEach affected site is measured to plan which teeth to treat.
- Specialist treatment planThe sites, sequence, and approach set out in writing before you commit.
- Pinhole treatmentExisting gum tissue is repositioned over exposed roots through a small access point.
- Collagen supportCollagen material helps stabilize the repositioned tissue.
- Comfort optionsLocal anesthesia and comfort options are discussed in advance.
- Healing instructionsSite-specific guidance for the days after treatment.
- Follow-up visitsPlanned checks on healing and long-term gum health.
Why it matters
Why Specialist-Led Treatment Planning
Gum recession has different causes and patterns. Having it evaluated and treated by a board-certified periodontist means the approach is matched to your tissue, not the other way around.
01Find the cause first
Recession can stem from gum disease, brushing habits, bite forces, or thin tissue. Dr. Khaled identifies what is driving yours.
02Specialty training in gum tissue
Periodontists complete additional years of specialty training focused on the gums and supporting bone.
03The right technique for each site
If Pinhole isn't right for a site, you'll hear whether grafting or monitoring is the better choice.
04A clear written plan
You receive a written treatment plan showing which teeth are treated and how, before you commit.
05Long-term gum health
Your plan covers healing, follow-up, and habits that help protect the result.
06Patient education
Dr. Khaled explains your findings, your options, and what to expect.
The process
What to Expect
You see the full sequence in writing before anything begins. Timing varies by case.
- 01EvaluationRecession pattern, gum health, and anatomy.
- 02Written treatment planReviewed with you before you decide.
- 03Pinhole treatmentTissue repositioned through a small access point.
- 04HealingSite-specific aftercare instructions.
- 05Follow-upPlanned visits to check healing.
- 06Long-term careOngoing periodontal care protects your gums.
Insurance & financing
Understand Your Coverage Before You Decide
Many dental plans include benefits for periodontal treatment. Sterling is in-network with Aetna, Delta Dental, Guardian, and Humana and can review your benefits and financing options with you before treatment.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gum recession?
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.
Does gum recession always require treatment?
Not every area of recession needs a surgical procedure. The cause, progression, sensitivity, root exposure, tissue quality, and periodontal health help determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?
It is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small access point to reposition existing gum tissue over exposed roots in appropriate cases.
Is Pinhole the same as gum grafting?
No. Traditional grafting adds tissue, while Pinhole generally repositions existing tissue. Each can be appropriate for different clinical situations.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
Candidacy depends on your recession pattern, tissue quality, periodontal health, anatomy, and treatment goals. Dr. Khaled can assess these during a consultation.
Does Pinhole treatment hurt?
Comfort varies by patient and treatment area. Local anesthesia is used as appropriate, and Dr. Khaled reviews comfort options and post-treatment instructions before the procedure.
What is recovery like?
Recovery varies by patient and the number of areas treated. The team will provide site-specific instructions after evaluating and planning your treatment.
Can multiple teeth be treated?
Multiple sites may be treated in appropriate cases. The number and location depend on the recession pattern, available tissue, anatomy, and individualized treatment plan.
How long does treatment take?
Appointment length depends on the number and location of sites being treated. A personalized estimate is provided after evaluation.
Does insurance cover gum recession treatment?
Coverage varies by plan and clinical indication. Sterling can help review available benefits after your treatment needs are evaluated.
How much does Pinhole treatment cost?
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.
Next step
See If You're a Candidate
Answer a few questions about your gum recession. If Pinhole or another treatment may be appropriate, Sterling will contact you to arrange an evaluation with Dr. Mohamed Khaled.
- Evaluated by a board-certified periodontist
- Written treatment plan before you decide
- Insurance & financing reviewed with you