SKY Periodontics and Implant Dentistry | Treatment of Periodontal Disease, Dental Implants and Prophylaxis  Teeth Cleaning

Cosmetic Procedures

At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we understand that the appearance of your smile plays a crucial role in your overall confidence and well-being. Our team specializes in cosmetic periodontal procedures designed to enhance the aesthetics of your gums and teeth. Whether you are looking to improve the symmetry of your gum line or restore your smile after gum recession, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to meet your unique needs. Learn more about some of the advanced cosmetic procedures we offer, including Crown Lengthening, Soft Tissue Corrective Grafts, and Gingivectomy.

Crown Lengthening

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a cosmetic periodontal procedure that involves reshaping the gum tissue and, in some cases, the bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This procedure is often performed to improve the aesthetic appearance of a "gummy smile" or to make teeth appear longer, resulting in a more balanced and harmonious smile.

Why Choose Crown Lengthening?

  • Gummy Smile Treatment: If your gums cover too much of your teeth, it can create an unbalanced smile. Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth, giving your smile a more natural look.
  • Improved Functionality: Sometimes, crown lengthening is recommended to improve the functionality of the tooth, especially if a tooth needs a crown or filling but has insufficient visible tooth structure to support it.
  • Aesthetic Symmetry: Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth or multiple teeth to achieve a symmetrical gum line. This procedure helps ensure that your teeth and gums are in harmony, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Depending on the extent of the treatment, your periodontist may remove both soft tissue and a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth’s crown. After the procedure, the gums will heal naturally, and you’ll notice a more balanced and longer-looking smile.

Soft Tissue Corrective Grafts

What are Soft Tissue Corrective Grafts?

Soft tissue corrective grafts are a set of procedures designed to address gum recession and improve the overall health and appearance of your gums. These procedures involve taking healthy gum tissue, often from the roof of your mouth, and grafting it onto areas where gum tissue has receded or is too thin. The graft helps restore the natural contour of your gums and provides protection for your tooth roots.

Why Choose Soft Tissue Grafts?

  • Prevent Further Gum Recession: Soft tissue grafts can prevent the progression of gum recession, which, if left untreated, may expose the tooth roots and lead to sensitivity or tooth loss.
  • Aesthetic Enhancement: If your gums have receded, a soft tissue graft can restore the balance between your teeth and gums, improving the appearance of your smile.
  • Reduce Tooth Sensitivity: Receding gums expose the sensitive part of your tooth. A soft tissue graft can reduce tooth sensitivity by covering the exposed roots with healthy gum tissue.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Soft tissue grafts are typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. After the graft is placed, the healing process takes time, but the results are often dramatic and long-lasting. Patients typically experience some swelling and mild discomfort during the initial recovery period, but this usually resolves within a few days.

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Gingivectomy – The Removal of Excess Gum Tissue

What is a Gingivectomy?

A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess or diseased gum tissue. This procedure is commonly used to treat gum overgrowth or gummy smiles, where too much gum tissue covers the teeth, leading to an unbalanced or uneven appearance.

Why Choose Gingivectomy?

  • Correct Gummy Smiles: If your gums are too prominent and overshadow your teeth, a gingivectomy can reshape the gum line, revealing more of your teeth and creating a more aesthetic smile.
  • Treating Gum Disease: Gingivectomies are also used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for gum disease, particularly when the gum tissue has become enlarged due to inflammation or infection. By removing the excess tissue, the remaining healthy gum tissue can be better maintained.
  • Improved Oral Health: In some cases, a gingivectomy can also improve oral hygiene by making it easier to clean the gum line and remove plaque buildup.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A gingivectomy is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Your periodontist will carefully remove the excess gum tissue and, if necessary, contour the remaining tissue to create a more even and natural-looking gum line. The procedure is typically quick, and recovery time is minimal, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days.

The Role of Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures in Smile Design

How Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures Enhance Your Overall Smile

Cosmetic periodontal treatments are an essential part of smile design. A smile that is balanced and harmonious involves more than just straight teeth; the shape and appearance of the gums play an integral role. When teeth and gums are in proper alignment, it can create a more aesthetically pleasing smile that complements your natural features.

  • Achieving Symmetry: A well-designed smile considers the symmetry between the teeth and gums. Procedures like crown lengthening and gingivectomy ensure that your gum line is evenly aligned with the edges of your teeth, creating a balanced smile that enhances your natural beauty.
  • Addressing Gum and Teeth Proportions: If your gums dominate your smile, your teeth may appear too short, which can throw off the proportions of your face. Cosmetic periodontal treatments restore the proper balance by reshaping the gum line, allowing your teeth to appear more proportional and elongating the overall smile.
  • Minimizing Gum Discrepancies: If your gums are uneven or if you have a "gummy smile," correcting these issues can significantly improve your facial aesthetics. By adjusting the gum line, our skilled periodontists can give your smile a more polished, symmetrical look.

These procedures provide a way to harmonize your smile, enhancing both the appearance of your gums and teeth, and offering results that blend seamlessly with your facial features.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Cosmetic Periodontal Care

Tailoring Cosmetic Periodontal Care to Your Needs

At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we recognize that no two smiles are alike. That’s why we offer personalized treatment plans that are designed to meet the specific needs and desires of each patient. Whether you're looking for minor adjustments to your gum line or more extensive treatments to address significant gum recession or a gummy smile, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

  • Consultation and Comprehensive Examination: Your journey to a more beautiful smile begins with an in-depth consultation. During this appointment, our periodontist will perform a thorough evaluation of your gums and teeth. This helps us understand your smile goals and determine the best course of action for your needs.
  • Customized Procedure Options: After reviewing your case, we will recommend the most suitable procedures for your goals, whether that’s crown lengthening to expose more of your teeth or a soft tissue graft to cover exposed roots and improve gum health.
  • Ongoing Care and Maintenance: Achieving a stunning smile requires ongoing maintenance, which is why we provide guidance on how to care for your gums after the procedure. We will follow up with you to ensure your gums are healing well and that your results are lasting. If needed, additional treatments may be offered to ensure optimal results.

Our goal is to provide you with not only an aesthetically beautiful smile but also improved gum health. The combination of customized treatment plans and the expertise of our team ensures that you’ll achieve the best possible outcome for your cosmetic periodontal needs.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures

Each of these cosmetic periodontal procedures provides both aesthetic and functional benefits for patients. Whether you are looking to enhance your smile, protect your teeth from further gum recession, or restore a more balanced gum line, these treatments can dramatically improve both the appearance and health of your smile.

  • Enhanced Smile Aesthetics: These procedures address common cosmetic concerns, such as a gummy smile, uneven gum lines, and gum recession, improving the overall appearance of your teeth and gums.
  • Improved Oral Health: In addition to the cosmetic benefits, many of these procedures also enhance your oral health by treating underlying issues like gum disease and tooth sensitivity, promoting a healthier smile in the long term.
  • Long-Lasting Results: When performed by an experienced periodontist like those at SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, these procedures offer lasting, natural-looking results that enhance both the appearance and health of your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crown lengthening a painful procedure?

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While some discomfort is common, the procedure is typically well-tolerated. Your periodontist will use local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process, and post-procedure discomfort can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does it take to recover from crown lengthening?

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Recovery time varies, but most patients experience minimal downtime. It may take a few days for the swelling to subside, and full healing usually occurs within a few weeks.

Are soft tissue grafts permanent?

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Yes, soft tissue grafts provide long-lasting results. The newly grafted tissue integrates with the surrounding gums and continues to protect the tooth roots and restore gum health for years.

How do I care for my gums after a soft tissue graft?

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Proper oral hygiene is important during recovery. Your periodontist may recommend avoiding brushing the grafted area for a few days and using a saltwater rinse to promote healing.

What is the difference between a gingivectomy and crown lengthening?

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While both procedures remove excess gum tissue, a gingivectomy focuses on removing diseased or overgrown gum tissue to treat a gummy smile or gum disease, while crown lengthening is more focused on exposing more of the tooth for aesthetic or restorative purposes.

Is a gingivectomy covered by insurance?

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Insurance coverage varies depending on the reason for the procedure. If it’s performed for medical reasons, such as to treat gum disease, it is more likely to be covered. Cosmetic procedures may require a different level of coverage or may not be covered at all.

Can I combine crown lengthening with other treatments?

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Yes, crown lengthening is often done in conjunction with other cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers or crowns, to ensure optimal aesthetic results.

How do I know if I need a soft tissue graft?

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If you have exposed tooth roots or gum recession that is causing tooth sensitivity, pain, or aesthetic concerns, a soft tissue graft may be recommended.

How soon will I see the results of a gingivectomy?

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Results are often visible immediately after the procedure, as the excess gum tissue is removed. Full healing may take a few weeks.

Are these cosmetic procedures covered by insurance?

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While many cosmetic periodontal procedures are partially or fully covered by dental insurance when deemed medically necessary, coverage can vary. We recommend verifying your insurance details with our office team for more specific information.

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