Updated May 2026
When most people think about cosmetic dentistry, they think about teeth. But the gums, bone, and surrounding tissues play an equally important role in how a smile looks and functions. At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers offer a range of cosmetic periodontal procedures designed to address the appearance of your smile while also improving its long-term health and stability.
Whether you are bothered by a gummy smile, receding gums, or the visible effects of tooth loss, there are predictable, minimally invasive options to restore a more natural and proportionate appearance. In many cases, meaningful results can be achieved in a single visit.
Treating a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile occurs when an excess of gum tissue is visible above the teeth when smiling. This can make the teeth appear shorter or uneven, and many patients find it affects their confidence. The good news is that it is among the most straightforward concerns to address.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening and Gum Contouring is a precise procedure that removes and reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth structure. The result is a more balanced, proportionate gumline that frames the teeth naturally. Most patients are surprised by how significant the change is and how quickly it is achieved.
Crown lengthening is also used in a clinical context as part of the treatment for periodontal disease, where the goal is to remove diseased tissue and allow healthy tissue to reattach to the tooth surface. You can read more about that application on our Functional Crown Lengthening page.
Correcting Gum Recession
When the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes the root surface, the effects are both functional and cosmetic. Exposed roots are more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and infection, and the altered gumline can make the teeth appear longer or uneven.
Soft Tissue Grafting is the standard of care for addressing recession. During this procedure, grafted tissue is placed over the exposed root surfaces to restore coverage, improve the appearance of the gumline, and protect the underlying tooth structure from further damage. The procedure supports both the health and the esthetics of your smile, and results are long lasting with proper maintenance through Supportive Periodontal Care.
If you are unsure whether your recession is significant enough to warrant treatment, our team can evaluate the extent of the issue and discuss your options at a consultation. Early intervention generally leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes.
Restoring the Appearance of Your Smile After Tooth Loss
Missing teeth affect more than the ability to chew. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its volume, and bone loss begins relatively quickly. Over time, this affects the shape of the jaw, the contour of the surrounding gum tissue, and the overall appearance of the smile.
Even when missing teeth are replaced with dental implants, bone and tissue loss that has already occurred can affect how natural the final result looks. The gumline may appear uneven, or gaps may be visible around the new teeth.
Bone Grafting and soft tissue procedures can be used to rebuild the ridge and restore the contours of the jaw and gum tissue before or alongside implant placement. The goal is to ensure that your replacement teeth emerge from the gumline in a way that looks natural and proportionate. In cases where a tooth is being extracted, socket preservation at the time of removal can help minimize bone loss from the outset, simplifying future treatment.
For patients replacing all of their teeth, our team works closely with restorative providers to ensure the underlying foundation supports a result that is both functional and esthetically excellent. Learn more on our Replacing All Teeth page.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Every cosmetic periodontal concern is different, and the right approach depends on the extent of the issue, your overall oral health, and your goals. At your consultation, Dr. Tomlin or Dr. Bowers will conduct a thorough examination, review any necessary imaging, and walk you through the options that are most appropriate for your situation.
For patients who feel anxious about treatment, we offer a full range of Anesthesia Options to ensure your comfort throughout the process. You are also welcome to review our Patient Reviews and Smile Gallery to see the outcomes our patients have experienced.
If you have questions about correcting the cosmetic effects of gum disease or tooth loss, contact our team to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile that is not only healthier, but one you feel confident showing.
Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry serves patients in Dallas, TX and the surrounding communities. Call us at (214) 522-9700 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
