Periodontal Plastic Surgery is a group of procedures that are used to esthetically alter the soft tissue around the teeth. Various surgical techniques can be used to add gum tissue around teeth, remove gum tissue where needed and change the shape of soft tissue to enhance the appearance of the teeth and any restorations that may be planned. These procedures can be grouped into two groups:

TISSUE ADDITIVE PROCEDURES-GUM GRAFTING

Having thick and healthy gums that cover the roots of teeth is essential for the longevity of our teeth. The lack of gum tissue around one or more teeth is known as Gum Recession. Recession results in an unhealthy and unattractive condition(affects the appearance of the smile). Aside from complaints of root sensitivity, patients have an increased risk of developing root cavities due to the less mineralized and porous root surface. Recession often continues over time if left untreated.

Gum grafting restores the healthy band of gum tissue that supports the underlying bone. Thin and receded gums are prone to gingivitis and periodontitis (bone loss). There are several types of soft tissue grafting to include self-tissue (autografts), donated human tissue (allografts) and animal tissue (xenografts). The choice of grafting depends on a patient’s existing anatomy and goals of the procedure.

The results are very esthetic and very predictable.

Soft Tissue Allografts are similar to the subepithelial connective tissue grafts in the types of soft tissue defects that can be treated. The main difference is that the tissue used is sterile dermal tissue derived from human donors.

This procedure has the advantage of not having to have a second surgical site in the palate as well as being able to graft as many teeth as necessary without being limited by the amount of palatal tissue that can be taken at any one time.

TISSUE SUBTRACTIVE PROCEDURES

The tissue subtractive procedures involve removing excess gum tissue and sometimes bone from around teeth to improve the cosmetic appearance of the teeth. The two main procedures in the category are gingivectomy and crown lengthening.

GINGIVECTOMY

Gingivectomy procedures are used to remove excess or hyperplastic tissue that is covering the enamel of the teeth. Gingival hyperplasia can occur for many reasons such as wearing orthodontic appliances, certain medications and genetic predisposition for hyperplasia.

The gingivectomy is often performed using a laser to remove the excess tissues and recontour the shape and thickness of the tissue to ideal contours. Usually no sutures are required. Healing is usually quick and relatively painless.

AESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING:

Aesthetic crown lengthening is often used to reduce the extra gum tissue around the teeth, giving a smile a wider, brighter appearance. This gum contouring can be completed on one tooth, but is often performed on your entire upper jaw to restore a balanced, healthy and beautiful smile.

The procedure is performed by first carefully measuring the teeth and gum tissue to determine the ideal height and width of the teeth.

Crown lengthening is a minor procedure often performed under local anesthesia.

FUNCTIONAL CROWN LENGTHENING:

It is a procedure performed to reduce the gum tissue around a tooth.

When a tooth has deep decay or is broken below the gum line, then the surrounding gum tissue and bone need to be reduced and expose more tooth structure in order to provide for proper restoration of the tooth.

The crown lengthening procedure may save a tooth that otherwise has to be extracted because of a deep cavity or deep fracture below the gum line.

LIP STABILIZATION TECHNIQUE - Lip repositioning

is a plastic surgical procedure that treats the gummy smile. It is a lip repositioning procedure that shortens the amount of gum that is displayed during speaking and smiling. Patients that hesitate to smile due to being self conscious about their gummy smile are often great candidates.

A BEAUTIFUL NEW SMILE

If you are unhappy with your gummy smile, there is a way to get a brand new, wider smile without needing extensive cosmetic treatment. Reveal the beauty that lies beneath. Call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Odysseos and find out more about your options for periodontal plastic surgery.