What Is Cosmetic Gum Surgery?

Whether your teeth look longer because of gum tissue loss or you have an embarrassingly gummy smile, cosmetic gum surgery can dramatically improve your appearance. In cosmetic dentistry, a variety of procedures are performed to improve the quality of your smile, and cosmetic gum surgery is often a component of the overall strategy. Cosmetic gum surgery may be performed to correct deformities, remove excess gum tissue, and cover areas of exposed tooth root surface with grafted gum tissue.
 

Candidates for Cosmetic Gum Surgery

If your teeth appear longer than normal due to gum tissue loss or you have a gummy smile (excessive gingival display), you are a candidate for cosmetic gum surgery. Many people’s teeth appear long cosmetically because they suffer from gum recession. Gum recession typically develops as a result of poor hygiene or overly aggressive brushing. Not only do “long teeth” affect the appearance of your smile, they could also lead to root sensitivity and tooth loss.

A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when a high percentage of gum covers a person’s front teeth, making them look short and unattractive. Gummy smiles generally don’t pose medical problems, but they do affect people’s self-esteem and make them reluctant to smile. Gummy smiles are often caused by genetic inheritance, a long upper jawbone, or a short upper lip.


Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy refers to the removal of gum tissue and is one treatment for patients with gummy smiles. This cosmetic gum surgery procedure is used to remove excess gum tissue and expose the entire crown of the tooth. Gingivectomy creates normal tooth proportions and improves the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. It is also used to remove excess gum tissue sometimes occurring after orthodontic treatment.


Cosmetic Gum Surgery for Long Teeth

Root coverage gum grafting protects the soft roots from decay and damage caused by toothbrushing, in addition to providing cosmetic benefits. They can often eliminate the need to place fillings at the gumline that can deteriorate with time. Root coverage gum grafting enables patients to achieve a beautiful new smile while covering and protecting exposed root surfaces.


Crown Lengthening

If your teeth are short but not because of excess gum tissue, crown lengthening is a treatment option. During the crown lengthening procedure, bone that is not critically supporting the teeth is removed to create the proper tooth length. The final appearance of the teeth from this procedure is the same as that of a gingivectomy.


Benefits of Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Most patients heal from cosmetic gum surgery very quickly, and the procedure itself is painless because a local anesthetic is used. Patients who undergo cosmetic gum surgery often have increased self-confidence. The surgery also provides oral health benefits by correcting receding gums, reducing tooth sensitivity, preventing roots from decay, and preventing further gum recession.

Why Choose Periodontist Dr. Terry LaBell to Perform Cosmetic Gum Surgery?

Dr. Terry Labell is a specialist in periodontics who established his periodontal practice in 1995 in the Woodinville/Bothell area. Over the years, Dr. LaBell has grown his practice and expanded his team in order to serve patients as far away as in Sultan and Goldbar. Dr. LaBell combines his extensive education, passion for providing top-notch customer service, and years of experience as a periodontist/surgeon to deliver an overall exceptional experience to his patients. Using the most up-to-date technology and techniques, Dr. LaBell will dramatically improve the quality of your smile. For more information about the cosmetic gum surgery procedures that Dr. LaBell offers, please visit the Esthetic Surgical Procedures page.

Added on 11/08/2010

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