Gum Surgery

   A beautiful smile depends as much upon the gums as upon the teeth. The integrity and health of gum (gingival) tissue greatly influences the aesthetic appearance, size, and shape of even the most perfect teeth. Cosmetic gum surgery procedures have been developed to correct and sculpt gum tissue so that it frames your teeth perfectly, showing off your smile to best advantage. Gum surgery is sometimes needed in cases of periodontal disease, or may be chosen for aesthetic (cosmetic) reasons.

There are two primary reasons to choose cosmetic gum surgery:

1. A "gummy smile" (excessive gingival display) occurs when too much gum tissue is exposed when you smile, causing your teeth to appear to be too short. This can occur due to wear of teeth from teeth grinding, or from individual variations in the size and shape of the upper lip and/or jawbone. Cosmetic surgery can be done to reduce the excess gum: the dentist uses an instrument, typically a laser, to "sculpt" the gums by removing tissue. This allows for normal sized teeth and a normal gumline appearance.

2. A "long tooth smile" results when teeth appear longer than normal. This often occurs when gums recede due to age and/or as a result of periodontal (gum) disease. Such gum recession also exposes the sensitive root surface, making the teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. Also, the exposed root surface is much more susceptible to plaque accumulation and tooth decay. In advanced cases, teeth can become loose due to loss of supporting gum and bone structure. To correct this, a cosmetic dentist removes tissue from the roof of the mouth and then grafts it onto the gum line. This tissue then reinforces areas where gums are thin and/or have receded.

Cosmetic gum surgery can also correct an uneven gum line, and can help reconstruct the delicate tissue between the teeth, called the interdental papilla. Loss of interdental papilla tissue can result in the presence of unsightly black holes or black triangles between the teeth.