Treating Gum Recession with PST™
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and recedes down the root of the tooth structure. The roots are then exposed to the oral environment, which often causes temperature sensitivity while increasing the risk of root surface decay. Receding gums are one of the first signs of periodontal disease and can be triggered by the wrong tooth brushing technique, hormonal fluctuations, or even a misaligned bite. However, periodontal disease is the leading cause of this condition.
PST™ has been deemed a breakthrough procedure for treating gum recession without the need for traditional gum surgery because it is minimally invasive and provides immediate benefits. It was developed by John Chao, D.D.S. and is a patented procedure.
Once the gum tissues recede, they do not grow back. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional gum surgery for gum recession and want to maintain a beautiful smile, schedule your consultation with Dr. Chertok in Berkeley, CA today!
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of decay, and long-term oral health problems. One of the most common causes of receding gums is periodontal disease—a bacterial infection that damages the gums and supporting bone.
Several lifestyle and oral habits can make gum recession worse. Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush can wear down the gums over time. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to build up along the gumline, triggering inflammation.
Additional causes include teeth grinding (bruxism), a misaligned bite, and even lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gum tissue. Identifying the cause is key to preventing further damage and planning effective treatment.
Benefits of PST™
Some of the key benefits of PST™ include:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Immediate cosmetic benefit
- Corrects gum recession without needles or sutures
- No bleeding or swelling involved
- Fast healing and recovery time
- Treat multiple teeth in one visit
- Helps create a more attractive smile
Is PST™ Right for You?
If you’ve noticed your gums pulling away from your teeth, exposing more of the root, you may be wondering what your options are for restoring a healthy, natural-looking gumline. The Pinhole Surgical Technique, or PST™, is a modern alternative to traditional gum grafting that doesn’t require cutting or stitching. It’s a great choice for people who want a less invasive way to treat gum recession in Berkeley, CA. PST™ is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate gum recession who are looking for quicker healing times and less discomfort compared to conventional surgery.
Many patients qualify and are surprised at how fast and comfortable the procedure can be. Dr. Chertok will evaluate your gums, check for underlying issues like gum disease or bone loss, and help you decide whether PST™ is the best fit for your specific needs. If you’re looking to treat receding gums without going through extensive surgery, this could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
If you have gum recession, Dr. Keith Chertok may recommend PST™ to restore your smile. This highly advanced procedure does not involve making any incisions, so the gums heal very quickly. Patients enjoy a fast recovery time and the procedure can be performed over multiple teeth in a single visit.
Your PST™ Experience and Why It Matters
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is designed to make treating receding gums easier, more comfortable, and more efficient. Instead of taking tissue from another area of your mouth, PST™ gently shifts your existing gum tissue back over the exposed roots. This is done through a tiny opening that heals quickly and often without the need for any stitches.
The entire process is usually completed in a single visit, and most patients experience minimal discomfort and fast recovery. You can expect to see an instant cosmetic improvement and enjoy relief from sensitivity caused by gum recession. Choosing PST™ means getting back to your life faster while still protecting your teeth from further damage.
At our Berkeley, CA office, Dr. Keith Chertok brings years of experience and advanced periodontal training to every PST™ procedure. His approach focuses on long-term results and patient comfort, ensuring that your gum recession treatment is both effective and stress-free. If you’re considering options for fixing your receding gums, PST™ offers a safe and proven alternative to traditional surgery.
Pinhole Gum Recession FAQs: PST™ Treatment in Berkeley, CA
PST™ is a minimally invasive procedure that gently repositions gum tissue to cover exposed roots—without scalpels, sutures, or traditional gum grafting. Dr. Chertok uses a small pinhole to loosen and guide the tissue into place, offering immediate cosmetic and functional results.
Through a pinhole-sized entry point, specialized instruments are used to loosen the existing gum tissue. This tissue is then carefully repositioned over the receded areas. Because there are no incisions or stitches, healing is faster and more comfortable than traditional gum surgery.
Traditional grafting requires cutting tissue from another area of the mouth and stitching it over the recession site. PST™, by contrast, uses the existing tissue and requires no cutting, sutures, or secondary surgical site—making it less invasive with faster recovery and improved patient comfort.
Recovery is typically quick and comfortable. Because no incisions are made, patients experience minimal bleeding, swelling, or pain. Most people return to normal activities within 24–48 hours with very few restrictions.
Gum recession can result from gum disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, hormonal changes, teeth grinding (bruxism), misaligned bites, or even oral piercings. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to preventing further tissue loss.
Exposed roots increase sensitivity to temperature and make teeth more prone to decay and erosion. Without protection from the gums, the root surface is vulnerable to damage and can negatively impact the long-term health and aesthetics of your smile.
No. Once gum tissue has receded, it doesn’t naturally regenerate. That’s why treatments like PST™ are necessary—to reposition the existing tissue and restore coverage over the exposed root surfaces.
Recession won’t reverse on its own and can worsen over time, leading to sensitivity, decay, or even tooth loss. Treating it early with PST™ protects your teeth, improves your appearance, and reduces future complications.
If you have mild to moderate gum recession and want a less invasive alternative to gum grafting, PST™ may be right for you. Dr. Chertok will evaluate your gum health to determine your eligibility during a consultation.
Contact Dr. Keith Chertok’s office in Berkeley, CA to book your consultation and find out if the Pinhole Surgical Technique is the best option to restore your gums and your smile.
