Choose a Periodontist for Cosmetic Gum Procedures
A beautiful smile is not just dependent on having perfect teeth. Your gums also play an important role in the quality of your smile. When your gums predominate your smile or are as prominent as your teeth, your smile may not be at its best. Periodontist Dr. Evan Grodin has specialized training in the field of preventing, diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. This advanced training also includes performing cosmetic gum procedures such as gum contouring.
Excessive gum tissue can hide the length of your teeth and make them look small and stubby. This can affect the beauty of your smile. Small, stubby teeth may not fit your facial features and can give your face an unbalanced look when you smile. “Gummy” smiles can be corrected with gum contouring.
Gum contouring is generally an elective cosmetic procedure when performed on its own and is not part of correcting periodontal disease. When periodontal disease is present, gum contouring may be considered part of the required procedure to repair damaged gum tissue.
This procedure is used to lengthen the crowns of the teeth. This is accomplished by decreasing the amount of gum tissue covering the crown of the teeth. As more of the crown is exposed, the tooth appears longer.
Gum contouring is also used to treat pockets that form as a symptom of gum disease. The pockets are minimized with the procedure so that the food traps are eliminated. When this procedure is used for regenerative purposes or to recontour gum recession, it is not considered a cosmetic procedure.
Uneven gums also benefit from gum contouring. A variety of conditions can lead to gums that are too high or too low. Health conditions and certain prescription drugs may cause gums to grow excessively. Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to gum overgrowth.
Gum recession is often experienced by people as they grow older. When the gums shrink, more of the tooth root is exposed. This can cause the affected tooth or teeth to be more vulnerable to tooth decay. Gum recession is often a symptom of periodontal disease and should be treated right away. Advanced gum disease affects the gums and also causes the bone to dissolve as the infection continues. Neglecting treatment will eventually lead to tooth loss.
Some individuals may also experience gum recession by brushing their teeth too hard or too aggressively with a stiff toothbrush.
Why is a Periodontist the Best Choice for Cosmetic Gum Procedures?
Dr. Grodin and other periodontists have had extensive training in addressing issues with the gums and bone. Training includes the most efficient and effective ways to remove or build up gum tissue, depending on which procedures are needed. Periodontists are trained specifically on how to contour gums for health and aesthetics. With the advancements in dental procedures and technologies, those dentists who have specialized in this field are familiar with the methods that will produce the best and healthiest results.
Health Benefits of Gum Contouring
Not only does gum contouring contribute to a better-looking smile, but it also has oral health benefits. Excessive gum tissue can create food traps that provide prolific breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Cleaning these areas can be all but impossible and generally require professional cleaning for thorough effectiveness.
The bacteria in these areas produce acids that eat away tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Gums then swell, become inflamed and may bleed when being brushed or flossed. As the infection continues, the condition worsens. For these patients, eliminating the periodontal disease, reducing the pockets made by excessive gum tissue and other regenerative procedures may need to be performed. Dr. Grodin has experience treating such problems and reshaping the gums after treatment so that your smile can be healthy and beautiful again.
Whether you are interested in cosmetic gum contouring or have issues with your gums that need treatment, Dr. Grodin can help. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation to discover the procedure that will produce healthier, better-looking gums.
