July 17, 2021
Cosmetic gum treatment refers to oral surgery techniques that are used to shape and improve the health and aesthetics of the gums. A gum line that is uneven, too low, or too high can affect the look of your smile. And in some cases, a problematic gum line can also lead to pain and poor oral health.The three main techniques used for cosmetic gum treatment are gum lift/contouring, aesthetic gum grafting, and ridge augmentation. Each technique is a type of periodontal plastic surgery that’s used to restore dental function and a youthful smile.
This procedure is used for patients who have a gum line that is uneven or too low. It is also referred to as crown lengthening. Gum contouring removes any excess gum tissue and exposes more of the tooth for a pleasing and balanced look.
If teeth look too long due to gum recession, gum grafting can help. With this procedure, doctors used donor gum tissue to restore receding gums and help to protect tooth roots from decay and abscess.
When a tooth is extracted, it changes the entire shape of your face. That change becomes much more obvious when several teeth are removed. The extra room in the mouth also allows space for the remaining teeth to shift and move, making the problem even more noticeable. Ridge augmentation surgery helps to reconstruct jawbone and gum tissue that was lost due to tooth extraction. The procedure restores the shape of the face, as well as the smile.
Plan on limiting your activities on the day of surgery. Each patient reacts differently, but it could take days or weeks for gums to be completely healed. Your doctor will provide specific post-op directions for the best results.If medications like antibiotics or prescription painkillers are subscribed, take them exactly as recommended.After your procedure, follow a diet of cool, soft foods, such as eggs, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt, soft-cooked vegetables, and pasta until the doctor has confirmed you are healed—usually at the two-week checkup.
Some people have a naturally “gummy” smile, with a gum shape that looks heavy or imbalanced. This can also be a side effect of inflamed gum disease or the use of certain prescription drugs. Patients with heavy gums are more prone to problems with their oral health.Cosmetic gum treatment is also helpful for people whose gums are too high. Gum recession due to aging or gum disease can cause gums to recede, exposing the tooth root and giving teeth the appearance of being long. Receding gums can also affect oral health, as well as causing bone degeneration and pain.If you have concerns about your gum line or questions about cosmetic gum treatments, reach out to the team at Pasadena Periodontics. Whichever procedure is best for your situation, cosmetic gum surgery can restore your smile, improve your oral health, and boost your confidence at work and in social situations.
