Overview of Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery Options

However, in many instances, an individual needs more involved dental procedures to improve both is his or her oral health and appearance. This may include some type of cosmetic periodontal surgery. There are a number of different types of cosmetic periodontal surgical procedures that commonly are pursued by individuals interested in enhancing their overall look and appearance.

Dental Implants

Dental implants represents one of the most common types of cosmetic periodontal surgical procedures. A dental implant surgery is the placement of an artificial tooth root. The artificial tooth root is designed to anchor a replacement tooth of bridge in a person’s jaw.

Oftentimes dental implants are utilized as the result of periodontal disease or injury. On the other hand, there are individuals who do not necessarily have an immediate need for such a procedure because of disease or injury. Rather, they desire the surgical procedure to improve the appearance of his or her smile. Cosmetic periodontal surgery is pursued in that type of situation.

Dental Crown Lengthening

Dental crown lengthening is a type of cosmetic procedure that is designed to address what many individuals refer to as a gummy smile. In this type of situation, an individual typically has normal length teeth. However, the appear short or small because of more than average gum tissue covering the teeth.

Through the lengthening process, a dental crown is used to cap and lengthen certain teeth in a person’s mouth. In addition, the gum may be reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. In some cases, bone tissue may also be reshaped to achieve the objective of exposing more natural teeth.

Gum Graft Surgery

Another type of cosmetic periodontal procedure is gum graft surgery. Gum recession, caused by periodontal disease or sometimes an injury, results in an exposure of tooth roots. Not only is this unhealthy, it results in a less than appealing appearance.

Gum tissue is taken from another part of a person’s mouth and grafted in a manner to cover the exposed root. This type of procedure can be done on one tooth, more than one tooth, or even the entire gum line, depending on an individual patient’s circumstances.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment is a form of periodontal surgical procedure that can be used to aid in treating gum disease. A stark reality associated with gum disease is that it not only is a serious health problem, but it impacts a person’s appearance. Laser treatment can be utilized in to address certain gum disease conditions in a manner that is less invasive than other types of periodontal surgical procedures.

Pocket Reduction Procedure

Advanced periodontal disease can result in the development of what are called pockets around teeth. These pockets grow deeper over time. Eventually, these pockets become too deep to clean. Periodontal disease advances, causing not only health problems, but also impairing a person’s appearance.

Pocket Reduction involves folding back gum tissue and securing it in place. During the procedure, disease-causing bacteria is removed from the pockets.

Regenerative Procedure

A regenerative procedure is utilized by periodontal surgeons to address bone and tissue loss resulting from periodontal disease. The procedure is designed to stop the deterioration of a patient’s tissue, gum, or both. By undertaking a regenerative procedure in a more proactive manner, a patient can avoid undergoing a more invasive periodontal surgical procedure at a later point in time.

Other Cosmetic Periodontal Surgical Procedures

There exist an array of other types of cosmetic periodontal surgical procedures utilized to meet the specific needs, goals, and objectives of an individual who desires a better overall appearance. These procedures include refashioning the gum line as well as addressing indentations in the gum or jawline.

Schedule a Consultation About Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

The first step to determine what type of cosmetic process makes the most sense for an individual is scheduling a consultation. Through a consultation, a cosmetic periodontal surgeon provides an evaluation of the procedure or procedures that will address an individual’s need and assist that person in meeting his or her goals and objectives. There typically is no charge for an initial consultation.

There are occasions in which a person actually requires more than one type of periodontal surgical procedure. This is also the type of determination that is part of an initial evaluation of a patient.