Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

Cosmetic periodontal procedures are a conventional way to cover unsightly, sensitive, or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short, unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by Dr. Benedon and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.

The Gummy Smile

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 surgical procedure called  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 at a time allowing your gum line to be leveled and to help create a beautiful smile.

	Gingival Reduction Pre-Op to improve the “gummy smile”	Gingival Reduction Post-Op to improve the “gummy smile”

Gingival (Gum) Recession

Another cosmetic procedure is the soft tissue graft. It is used to cover unattractive tooth roots due to gum recession and to protect the roots from decay and eventual loss.

	Gingival Augmentation Pre-Op to repair or increase areas lacking sufficient gum tissue	Gingival Augmentation Post-Op to repair or increase areas lacking sufficient gum tissue

Tooth loss causes the jawbone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, and appearance of a general aging. The original look of your mouth may not be recaptured because of spaces remaining under and between replacement teeth. They may appear too long compared to nearby teeth.

Bone grafting following tooth loss can preserve the socket/ridge and minimize gum and bone collapse. There is less shrinkage and a more aesthetic tooth replacement for either an implant crown or fixed bridge around the replacement teeth.

For more information about gum grafting, and bone grafting, please refer to the treatment section of our website, and click on each individual procedure for an in-depth description.