PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY
A bright and beautiful smile can do wonders for your confidence. Periodontal plastic surgery helps to both improve your overall periodontal health and the aesthetic look of your teeth and gums.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY?
Periodontal plastic surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed on the gums to help enhance your smile and overall periodontal health. It is also sometimes referred to as gum reduction surgery.
It can help correct a variety of gum-related problems, both for aesthetic and health reasons. Most commonly, it is used to reduce a gummy smile or an uneven gum line. It can also help correct long teeth or exposed roots as well as indentations in the gum and jawbone.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES?
Periodontal plastic surgery can take many forms, including gum graft surgery, ridge augmentations, and most commonly crown lengthenings. This is done when there is too much gum tissue present and can be done in two different ways;
AESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING
Essentially, this procedure is a gum lift. It is usually performed on patients who feel their gums are overexposed when they smile. This type of crown lengthening helps create a wider, more natural smile.
The periodontist will remove excess gum and bone tissue, and will then reshape the patient’s smile to reveal more of their natural tooth. It can be performed on a single tooth, though it is most often done to enhance the entire smile. The doctor will make several small incisions into the gum tissue to separate the gums from the teeth.
This periodontal plastic surgery procedure is very simple and typically takes only an hour to perform. It only takes a week or two to heal but will require a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
This procedure is not only done for aesthetic reasons. It can also help ensure your periodontal health. Removing excess gum tissue can help prevent and treat gum disease, as it decreases the pockets between teeth where bacteria grow.
FUNCTIONAL CROWN LENGTHENING
This form of surgery is often done to perform another cosmetic or restorative procedure. It is often done in cases where the tooth has decayed, or if it has broken below the gum line. It may also be done if the tooth has an inadequate structure for restoration, such as if it is a crown or bridge.
During this periodontal plastic surgery procedure, the periodontist will lower the gum and bone levels. This will expose more of the tooth’s root so it can be restored. Your periodontist must reshape the gums and supporting bone to make enough space to perform the eventual restoration. They will make several small incisions in order to remove the gum tissue and reshape it. Local anesthetic will be administered for the patient’s comfort.
It takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the area to heal completely. After this time, your periodontist can then begin the restorative process.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY?
If you struggle with lack of confidence due to your teeth and gums, then periodontal plastic surgery may be right for you. It can help improve the overall look of your smile and prepare your mouth for further cosmetic procedures.
Alternatively, your periodontist may suggest this type of surgery for health reasons, such as to treat and prevent gum disease. Speaking with a qualified specialist can reveal if this type of surgery is right for you.