Surgical Treatments
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Surgical Treatment
Osseous Surgery
Traditionally, gum disease is treated by eliminating the gum pockets. The infected gum tissue is trimmed away and uneven bone tissue re-contoured. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today.
Gum Grafting Procedures (Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts)
Gingival recession
corrected with gum grafting
When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense 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 as well as an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. When significant, gym recession can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.
A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening (or crown exposure) is often required when not enough tooth structure is available for a crown or to expose a cavity under the gumline.
The procedure involves adjusting the level of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth. The procedure takes approximately one hour.
When the procedure is completed, sutures, and sometimes a protective bandage are placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to evaluate your healing.
Guided Tissue Bone Regeneration
Guided tissue bone regeneration regenerates the previously lost gum and bone tissue. This involves using either alone or in combination bone grafts, resorbable collagen membranes that are inserted over the bone or bioactive gels.
Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
If 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 a periodontal plastic surgery procedure, crown lengthening. This can also be done after orthodontic treatment to get rid of that "gummy smile."
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.
Another cosmetic procedure is the soft tissue graft. It is used to cover unattractive tooth roots, reduce gum recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual loss.
Gummy smile corrected with cosmetic crown lengthening
