Periodontists are able to enhance a patient’s’ teeth and gums for esthetic purposes as well as medical necessity. In fact, periodontists are often considered the “regenerative surgeons” of dentistry, and can improve your smile safely and with precision.
“Gummy Smile” or Uneven Gumline
Excessive gum tissue can cause shortened tooth appearance and what periodontists call “gummy smile.” Additionally, gum tissue can grow unevenly, causing some teeth to look natural while others appear shorter. In these cases, dental crown lengthening is a commonly-chosen solution. During this procedure, excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the crown of the tooth. Your gumline is then sculpted to give your new smile an even appearance.
Long Teeth/Exposed Roots
Gum recession can sometimes cause the tooth root to become exposed, making teeth look excessively long, and leading to increased sensitivity and occurrence for decay. Because this can give the appearance of early aging, many patients visit the periodontist for a solution. This recession can happen as a result of a variety of causes, including periodontal disease, the use of abrasive toothpastes, and improper brushing techniques.
Gum graft surgery and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots, to reduce further gum recession, and to protect vulnerable roots from decay.
Indentations in the Gums and Jawbone
When tooth loss occurs, indentations (or gaps) can form in the gums and jawbone where the teeth used to be. This happens because the jawbone will often recede when it is no longer holding a tooth in place. These gaps can look unnatural, and can also cause the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth.
Alveolar Ridge augmentation is an esthetic oral surgery used to fill in this defect, recapturing the natural contour of the gums and jaw. A new, natural-looking, easy-to-clean tooth can then be implanted.
Papilla Regeneration (Tissue Forming)
Loss of the gum tissue in spaces between the teeth can lead to what is referred to as “black triangle,” and can detract from an otherwise bright smile. Combining gum graft surgery with provisional crowns can often be used by your periodontist to fill in these spaces and correct the condition.
Tissue forming is a similar process that Dr. McVaney provides during the implant placement and healing stages. With the use of provisional crowns, non-invasive, simple techniques are performed that displace the gingiva to fill in the free space. This eventually eliminates the “black triangle” and restores a healthy smile.
Your Omaha, NE Source for Periodontal Esthetic Enhancement
Dr. McVaney at Specialty Dental Care is skilled in all of the above esthetic enhancements, and has the experience to perform them with precision and care. If you have any questions about periodontal esthetic enhancements, please feel free to contact us. Our team is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to ease your concerns and answer your call.
