Your
gum tissue is like a frame that provides form and shape to the
top of your tooth. A less than attractive smile results when
the integrity of the gum is compromised or the actual gum between
your teeth becomes weak. Usually due to poor hygiene (gum disease),
you actually begin to lose gum tissue. Cosmetic dentistry provides
many cosmetic solutions such as composite resin bonding, crowns,
and veneers to create a great smile. These solutions are usually
part of an overall strategy which may involve cosmetic gum surgery.
Used to correct a 'gummy smile' (a significant portion of your
gum is exposed when you smile), cosmetic gum surgery is the
procedure of lengthening your teeth from the neck of the tooth
upwards. Your teeth then appear to be longer and much less gum
is seen when you smile.
The
"Long in the Tooth" Smile - Cosmetic gum surgery,
or periodontal plastic surgery, can correct almost any deformity
or gingival problems preventing you from a beautiful smile.
As we age, our gums may shrink and recede which makes our teeth
look longer. While this is often age-related, it can also occur
due to a bad bite. A cosmetic dentist or a periodontist can
correct this to such an extent, that you'll have a very youthful
appearing smile.
The
"Gummy Smile" - This is a problem where your teeth
appear to be too short. Gum sculpting is often the solution.
To solve this, a dentist uses a laser to remove the excess tissue
of your "gummy" smile, which then exposes more of
your tooth.
You should consult your dentist about cosmetic gum surgery if
you believe you have "Gummy Smile" (small crown length),
gum recession "long teeth", an uneven gum line due
to "short teeth", gum loss or gums which appear to
be collapsing (from missing teeth), dark or black areas between
bridges, implants, crowns or teeth, or tooth sensitivity from
receding gums.
There
are two primary procedures for cosmetic gum surgery, depending
on your current smile.
"Gummy
Smile" (Excessive Gingival Display)
A
"Gummy Smile" can occur due to wear of teeth from
teeth grinding, a short upper lip, or having a longer than usual
upper jawbone. This smile is when your teeth appear too small
and your gums appear to large.
"Long
Tooth Smile" (Gum Recession)
As
your gums recede, your teeth appear longer than normal. While
"long teeth" may result in an unattractive smile,
you should also be concerned with root sensitivity and possible
tooth loss. Recent advances in techniques and materials have
resulted in significant improvements in both comfort, predictability
and esthetics.
Cosmetic
gum surgery can be done to reduce the excess gum and bone. The
removal of these tissues allows for normal sized teeth and for
a normal gum line appearance by using an instrument, usually
a laser, to remove the undesirable tissue. Typically your cosmetic
dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used
twice a day for a two-week period following your surgery.
To
Correct a "Long Tooth Smile"
As
your gums recede, your teeth look much "longer" than
normal. Such gum recession exposes your sensitive root surface
which often makes hot or cold foods and drinks a painful experience.
Teeth can become loose as your gum recedes. The cosmetic gum
surgery solution is basically when a cosmetic dentist or periodontist
removes tissue from the roof of your mouth and then grafts it
onto your gum line. This tissue then reinforces thin gums or
fills in areas where your gums have receded. Typically your
cosmetic dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse
to be used twice a day for a two-week period following your
surgery.
Advantages
& Disadvantages of Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Pros
and Cons of Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Advantages:
Healing is usually quick and your more youthful and beautiful
smile is obvious early on. It has been reported that cosmetic
gum surgery additionally improves the health of your gums. The
procedure to correct receding gums may even reduce your tooth
sensitivity to cold or hot foods or beverages while protecting
your roots from decay and lessening further gum shrinkage.
Disadvantages:
Cosmetic gum surgery is of course, surgery. Surgery is often
performed in segments under a local anesthetic - unless your
entire mouth is undergoing this procedure at once, then a general
anesthesia is typically used.
..
.
.
.....
....Copyright
2006: The Smiles Dr | All Rights Reserved | Cosmetic
Dentist | Toothache Dentist | Emergency
Dentist | Public Holiday Dentist
