Cosmetic Treatment For Periodontal Concerns
Many people don’t realize it, but attractive, proportional gums are just as important to a smile’s appearance as perfectly aligned teeth are.
The gums serve as a frame for the smile, and when the frame is askew in some way, the rest of the smile suffers. Yet, just as all teeth aren’t naturally straight, all gums aren’t present in perfect proportions, etiher.
Some patients have uneven gumlines, while others have gums that are too small or too prominent. All of those factors can have a negative effect on the smile.
Patients with asymmetrical or poorly proportioned gums will benefit from cosmetic dental surgery to improve the aesthetics of their smiles.
In performing such a procedure, a periodontist will work to correct the flaws in a patient’s natural gumline.
Each case is unique. Such gum surgery may require the periodontist to remove excess gum tissue or complete a gum graft, in which tissue from elsewhere in the mouth—most often the palate—is added as a supplement for sparse gum tissue.
Cases of “gummy” smiles, in which the gums are too prominent, warrant the excision of the extra gum tissue, which is sometimes referred to as crown lengthening. This procedure is often completed using lasers, which improve patient comfort and speed up the timeline for healing.
Cosmetic gum grafting can be particularly useful in cases of significant gum recession. Not only does this process help patients improve their appearance, but it can also help to address the sensitivity that occurs as the gum tissue pulls back and more of the tooth’s root is exposed.
The gum surgery can be completed in the periodontist’s office, with the patient receiving local anesthesia. Some patients may also opt for sedation for increased comfort.
In the hours immediately following the surgery, patients can manage swelling using an ice pack or cold compress. The patient may also choose to take painkillers for post-surgical discomfort, and eating a softer diet for a few days is also recommended.
Patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smiles should look into cosmetic gum surgery to see if it would help them achieve their smile goals. Contact Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Dallas TX for more information and to schedule a consultation.
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