Esthetic Services

Gingival graft:

Your gums are the framework for a healthy, beautiful smile. Gum recession is very prevalent in today's society due to a combination of factors often involving genetics, malpositioned teeth, and heavy brushing habits. The resulting exposed root surfaces and thin tissue lack the appropriate seal around the tooth that gum tissue is meant to provide, contributing to bone loss in the site. Ultimately, this causes an increased risk of root cavities, painful tooth sensitivity, and teeth that appear quite long cosmetically.

There is good news though. You don’t have to compromise on your health or your smile. We specialize in advanced techniques that not only restore the health of your gums but also restore maximum confidence in your smile.

Gum grafts come in many forms, but usually involve the movement of gum tissue from one area of the mouth to another to protect the root surfaces from decay or toothbrush abrasion, to prevent additional gum recession and/or to make the gums thicker and stronger around the teeth.

Gingival Contouring:

GINGIVECTOMY is the surgical removal of gum tissue. A gingivectomy is necessary when excess gum tissue around the enamel of teeth create deep pockets. The pockets make it hard to clean away plaque and calculus. The procedure involves removing and reshaping loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of pockets between the teeth and gums. By removing the pocket walls, gingivectomy provides visibility and accessibility to keep the teeth clean from debris and tarter. This creates a favorable environment for gingival healing and restoration of the gingival contour.

GINGIVOPLASTY is the surgical reshaping of gum tissue around the teeth. It is often is done simply to make gums look better. The causes can include a person's genetics, disease or trauma. Gingivoplasty reshapes the gums to make them look more natural. It often is done alone, but can be done during or after a gingivectomy. Gingivoplasty also can be done along with a gum graft. This type of surgery adds tissue to the gum line. Gingivectomy procedures are performed with a soft tissue laser that minimizes discomfort and bleeding. Patients heal quickly due to this advanced non-invasive surgical treatment method.

Crown lengthening:

This is a surgical dental procedure involving the removal of gum tissue and bone to expose more tooth surface area. Crown lengthening can also be used in cosmetic dentistry to fix a "gummy smile" – when a patient has a lot of gum tissue around their upper teeth. Excess gum tissue is removed to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The crown lengthening procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The periodontist will cut and peel the gums away from the teeth to expose the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone. The surgeon will then remove gum tissue and sometimes bone from around the roots of the teeth. Bone is removed using a combination of hand instruments and rotary instruments. Once enough of the tooth has been exposed, the area will be irrigated with sterile salt water and the gums will be stitched together.

Even if only one tooth needs crown lengthening, the surgeon may include neighboring teeth so that the gum tissues are evenly reshaped. Post-surgery, the teeth will appear elongated because the gums are now shorter then before the surgery.

You will be given prescriptions for a pain reliever and a mouth rinse. Your dentist will ask you to follow a somewhat soft diet. You can brush the teeth near the stitches, but avoid the gums. Remove food particles with a toothpick or a water irrigator.