Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

There are numerous cosmetic periodontal surgical procedures available at our practice. They all however are directed at resolving three general problems:

• Excessive root exposure resulting in unsightly ‘long looking’ teeth
• The appearance of a ‘gummy smile’ associated with ‘short looking’ teeth
• Loss of gum and bone tissue in an area where the teeth are missing

Excessive Root Exposure

A procedure called a connective tissue graft may be conducted with excellent success in covering exposed unattractive root structure around teeth with minimal bone loss. This procedure can be used to cover multiple adjacent teeth or single teeth and has the potential to reduce hot and cold sensitivity on the implicated teeth. In addition to covering exposed roots, connective tissue grafts can reduce
the likelihood of future gum recession (by fortifying the base of the gum margin), in addition to protecting the roots from decay and eventual tooth loss.

The treatment of multiple contiguous areas of gum recession

The treatment of a single area of gum recession

Gummy Smile

There are also procedures available to improve the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’ and short teeth. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by Dr. El Sayegh and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.

Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure, crown lengthening.

During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to more than one tooth, to even your gum line, and to create a beautiful smile.

Cosmetic crown lengthening completed on a patient unsatisfied with her ‘gummy smile’ and ‘short teeth‘

Cosmetic crown lengthening conducted following orthodontic care on a patient with a ‘gummy smile’

Tissue loss following dental extraction

Tooth loss causes the jawbone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, an appearance of a general aging. 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.

While some element of bone and gum remodeling can be expected following tooth extraction, Bone grafting following tooth loss can preserve the socket/ridge and minimize gum and bone collapse. If bone grafting is conducted in conjunction with the tooth extraction then there is less shrinkage and a more aesthetic outcome for either an dental implant crown or fixed bridge around the replacement teeth.

Extensive loss of gum tissue following extraction conducted without bone grafting