Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

The gum tissue is like a frame that gives shape and beauty to your smile. Some people may have what is known as a “gummy smile” with short or stubby teeth. While others may lost gum tissue around one or more teeth. Cosmetic periodontal therapies are designed to repair the soft tissue and bone around teeth to achieve the optimal and most esthetic smile possible.

Esthetic crown lengthening for gummy smiles

You should only see the edge of your upper gum tissue as it extends beyond the crowns of your teeth. If a significant part of the gum tissue is exposed and your tooth appears short or stubby when you smile, you possibly have a gummy smile. Other causes include a hyper mobile lip or vertical maxillary excess.

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery is an option to correct a “gummy smile” and the procedure of lengthening your tooth from the neck of the tooth upwards. A gummy smile is usually a problem with the gums and bone surrounding the teeth and not the teeth themselves. The teeth may be simply hiding with too much gum tissue and Dr. Cook can correct this with esthetic crown lengthening procedure.

Only the smallest amount of excess gum and bone tissue are removed to expose the normal part of your tooth that should be naturally exposed. This leaves a larger and more proportional looking beautiful and healthy smile. In some cases, the procedure is combined with your general dentist prior to placing restorations such as porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns. The final restorations should wait until after the gum tissues are completely healed for an optimal esthetic result.

Periodontal plastic surgery / soft tissue grafting for “exposed” roots and “long” teeth

Another periodontal plastic surgery technique is the soft tissue graft. The procedure is designed to cover unattractive exposed root surfaces, correct gum recession, and protect the root surfaces from decay. With this procedure, Dr. Cook uses a natural acelluar material (in place of connective tissue taken from the roof of your mouth) and then grafts it beneath your gum line. This tissue then reinforces thin gums in the areas of gum recession.

If you have been told or think that you have a gummy smile or other periodontal (gum) problem that makes you feel uncomfortable with your smile, please contact our office for a consultation with Dr. Cook.

We offer a wide range of procedures to help you achieve a beautiful healthy smile!