| ✅ Reviewed by Dr. Tom McCawley | 🕒 Reading time: three minutes |
Receding gums can make your teeth look longer, cause sensitivity, and raise concerns about long-term dental health. If you have been told you need gum grafting or are comparing treatment costs, the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™) offers a minimally invasive alternative with faster recovery and fewer appointments.
What Influences the Cost of Pinhole Surgery?
The cost of treating gum recession depends on several factors, and no two cases are identical. Understanding these variables can help you make an informed decision based on value rather than price alone.
Number of Teeth Treated
Pinhole surgery allows us to treat multiple teeth in a single visit, making it especially cost-effective for patients with widespread recession. Traditional grafting often requires separate surgeries for each area, which increases total cost and recovery time.
Severity of Recession
Deeper or more advanced recession requires more time to reposition and stabilize the tissue. For traditional grafting patients, more severe cases may mean additional donor tissue or larger grafts. For Pinhole patients, it may mean a longer appointment but no second surgical site.
Gum and Bone Structure
We evaluate your gum and bone support during the exam to determine whether there is enough healthy tissue to reposition. Patients with strong interproximal bone often benefit from PST because it uses their existing gum tissue rather than requiring tissue from the palate.
Level of Expertise
Dr. Mark McCawley is one of just 35 clinicians worldwide with advanced Chao Pinhole certification. Specialized training improves precision, reduces complications, and supports long-lasting results, but may influence the overall fee.
Cost Comparison: Pinhole vs. Grafting
Many patients initially assume the traditional graft is the less expensive option. The truth is more nuanced.
Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™)
- No cutting or stitches
- No harvesting tissue from the palate
- Minimal discomfort and faster recovery
- Immediate cosmetic results
- Multiple teeth corrected in one visit
- Reduced need for repeat surgeries
Traditional Gum Grafting
- Requires a donor site from the roof of the mouth
- Typically treats one or two teeth at a time
- More discomfort after surgery
- Longer healing period
- Multiple visits in many cases
- Higher risk of complications in certain patients
When patients factor in time away from work, multiple appointments, and post-operative care, the total cost of grafting can surpass that of Pinhole surgery, even if the initial estimate per tooth appears lower.
Why Pinhole Surgery May Be More Affordable Long-Term
Pinhole surgery can seem more expensive at first glance, but many patients find the overall cost is lower once recovery time and the number of visits are factored in.
Fewer Appointments
Because several areas can be treated during one session, patients avoid the costs associated with multiple surgical visits.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients return to normal activity within a couple of days. Traditional grafting may require extended recovery and more follow-up care.
Lower Risk of Additional Procedures
At our practice, we take a root-cause approach by identifying the bacteria involved in gum disease and recession, using microscopic diagnostics and antimicrobial therapies when needed. This reduces the chance of future breakdown and retreatment.
No Donor Site Needed
PST avoids the need for a second surgical area, which reduces both discomfort and cost associated with wound care and medications.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Pinhole Surgery?
Coverage depends on your specific plan, but many PPO policies reimburse a portion of medically necessary gum recession treatments.
Partial Coverage Is Common
Because PST is a recognized soft-tissue procedure, most insurance plans offer some level of reimbursement, often similar to or slightly lower than coverage for traditional grafting.
We File Your Insurance for You
We handle the claim submission for you, and your insurance company sends reimbursement directly to you.
Flexible Payment Options
We offer several financing solutions, including third-party payment plans and options that allow patients to spread costs over time. Our team can review these choices with you and help you select the plan that best fits your budget.
Transparent Estimates
Before any treatment begins, our team explains expected insurance contributions, out-of-pocket costs, and what makes each option a good investment.
Why Patients Choose McCawley Center for Pinhole Surgery
Our philosophy is simple: save teeth whenever possible and use the least invasive method to achieve lasting, healthy results. Patients value our approach because:
- We were early adopters of the Pinhole Surgical Technique and teach at the Chao Pinhole Academy in California.
- Dr. Mark McCawley is among a select group of advanced Pinhole clinicians worldwide.
- We use advanced microscopy to diagnose the cause of recession, not just the appearance.
- Sedation options are available for maximum comfort.
- We prioritize transparent, honest conversations about cost and long-term outcomes.
- Our team has over 50 years of combined experience caring for Broward County patients.
Schedule Your Consultation in Fort Lauderdale
If you are comparing the cost of Pinhole vs. traditional gum grafting, we can help you understand what each option means for your long-term oral health and budget. Many patients discover that a minimally invasive approach saves time, money, and discomfort.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
