What are cosmetic periodontal procedures?

Cosmetic periodontal procedures are a convenient 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 Lager and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.

How does it work?

Sometimes the amount of gum tissue present gives the teeth an unpleasant appearance.

Elongated Teeth

Too much gum tissue creates a gummy smile, which makes the teeth appear small, short and stubby. Thankfully, the gum tissue can be safely removed through a procedure called Crown Lengthening.

Crown lengthening is usually performed to improve the health of the gum tissue, prepare the mouth for a procedure, or correct a “gummy smile”. The procedure involves reshaping or recontouring the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to-tooth relationship. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth, or the entire gum line.

Gummy Smile

Too little gum tissue makes teeth appear unnaturally long and exposes the roots. When the recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body also loses a natural defence against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.

In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods, beverages, air as well as an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. When significant, gum recession can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.

Gum Grafting is a procedure which takes excess gum tissue from other sources and moves it to areas where the gum tissue has receded - essentially lengthening the gums and minimizing the amount of tooth structure exposed.

Why do you need cosmetic periodontal treatment?

Tooth loss causes the jaw bone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, promoting the appearance of general ageing. 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.