Gum Surgery

Gum surgery may be needed in conjunction with another procedure, or may be used on its own to correct a problem and improve the patient’s appearance.

There are two primary procedures for cosmetic gum surgery, depending on your current smile: “Gummy Smile” (Excessive Gingival Display) and “Long Tooth Smile” (Gum Recession).

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.

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.

A “Gummy Smile” correction

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 our dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day for a two-week period following your surgery.

A “Long Tooth Smile” correction

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 dentist 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 our dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day for a two-week period following your surgery.