Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
Gum Lifts
Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by our doctors and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.
Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure, crown lengthening.
During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to more than one tooth, to even your gum line, and to create a beautiful smile.
Gum Grafting Procedures (Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts)
Gum Grafting Overview
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Another cosmetic procedure is the soft tissue graft. It is a predictable and routine procedure used to cover unattractive tooth roots, reduce gum recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual loss.
When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession progresses, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. When significant, gum recession can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.
A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.