If you’re struggling with receding gums or a “gummy smile,” periodontal plastic surgery in Rochester may be the best solution. Like other areas of the mouth, the gums can be a source of self-consciousness or discomfort that periodontal plastic surgery can correct.
Periodontal plastic surgery can correct or restore the function and appearance of your teeth and gums in cases of a gummy smile, gum recession, and more.
Problems with the Gums
Like teeth, people can have gum problems that harm their oral health or self-confidence.
Receding gums may brushing more difficult which allow the bacteria to grow beneath the gum line. When gums recede, more of the tooth root is visible and may be sensitive to hot or cold foods. Gum recession also creates a “long tooth” appearance that may lead to self-consciousness.
The damage of gum disease is more than cosmetic, however. Receding gums also allow the bacteria to grow beneath the gum line, damaging the tissue and bone structures that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause the teeth to become loose and shift, possibly leading to the tooth’s loss.1
People can also struggle with cosmetic gum issues like a gummy smile when the teeth appear too short because the gum partially covers the tooth or the tooth hasn’t properly erupted. This throws off the balance of gums to tooth, leading some to feel embarrassed about their smile. It can also cause the gum tissue to become irritated and inflamed.
About Periodontal Plastic Surgery
In some cases, periodontists may need to perform a surgical procedure to treat periodontal disease and the damage it may have caused. Such a procedure aims to correct the damage and halt the disease’s progression. Performing the surgery as soon as possible is essential to try and reduce the amount of work needed.
In other cases, the surgical procedure is to correct a defect and provide a more natural, broader smile, such as with gummy smiles.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery Procedures
Gum Graft Surgery
Gum recession from gum disease is a common cause of exposed tooth roots. The periodontist will cover the exposed tooth root during gum graft surgery to prevent further bone loss and gum recession.
Gum graft surgery involves taking gum tissue from your own palate or a donor source to cover the tooth root. This may be performed on one or several teeth, helping to reduce tooth sensitivity from the exposed root and improve the smile’s appearance.
Gummy Smile Treatment
Gummy smiles are smiles that show too much of the gum line. While not severe, this condition can cause discomfort or embarrassment for those who have it.
The procedure to correct a gummy smile may use a laser or other surgical techniques to painlessly eliminate the excess gum tissue and create a more natural and symmetrical gum line. Better tooth-to-gum ratio while smiling makes a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
Another option for people with a gummy smile is dental crown lengthening. Gummy smiles have the appearance of short teeth, though that could be because excessive gum tissue covers the teeth. The crown lengthening procedure removes some of the excess gums to expose the natural tooth.
The periodontist reshapes the excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth during this procedure. They can perform the crown lengthening procedure on individual teeth or the whole gum line to improve the cosmetic look of the smile. In some cases, a dental crown lengthening may be necessary as a step to gain access to the tooth and make a restorative or cosmetic procedure possible.
Schedule Your Consultation for Periodontal Plastic Surgery in Rochester
If you’re struggling with receding gums or a gummy smile, periodontal plastic surgery in Rochester can help. At Dental Implants and Periodontal Health of Rochester, we offer periodontal plastic surgery for receding gums, gummy smiles, and other conditions related to the gums. Our treatments are gentle and effective and may be performed under local or general anesthesia as requested. Call us at 585-685-2005 or contact us online to schedule your consultation!
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
