Whether your teeth look longer because of gum tissue loss or you have an embarrassingly gummy smile, cosmetic gum surgery can dramatically improve your appearance. In cosmetic dentistry, a variety of procedures are performed to improve the quality of your smile, and cosmetic gum surgery is often a component of the overall strategy. Cosmetic gum surgery may be performed to correct deformities, remove excess gum tissue, and cover areas of exposed tooth root surface with grafted gum tissue.
Candidates for Cosmetic Gum Surgery
If your teeth appear longer than normal due to gum tissue loss or you have a gummy smile (excessive gingival display), you are a candidate for cosmetic gum surgery. Many people’s teeth appear long cosmetically because they suffer from gum recession. Gum recession typically develops as a result of poor hygiene or overly aggressive brushing. Not only do “long teeth” affect the appearance of your smile, they could also lead to root sensitivity and tooth loss.
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when a high percentage of gum covers a person’s front teeth, making them look short and unattractive. Gummy smiles generally don’t pose medical problems, but they do affect people’s self-esteem and make them reluctant to smile. Gummy smiles are often caused by genetic inheritance, a long upper jawbone, or a short upper lip.
Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy refers to the removal of gum tissue and is one treatment for patients with gummy smiles. This cosmetic gum surgery procedure is used to remove excess gum tissue and expose the entire crown of the tooth. Gingivectomy creates normal tooth proportions and improves the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. It is also used to remove excess gum tissue sometimes occurring after orthodontic treatment.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery for Long Teeth
Root coverage gum grafting protects the soft roots from decay and damage caused by toothbrushing, in addition to providing cosmetic benefits. They can often eliminate the need to place fillings at the gumline that can deteriorate with time. Root coverage gum grafting enables patients to achieve a beautiful new smile while covering and protecting exposed root surfaces.
Crown Lengthening
If your teeth are short but not because of excess gum tissue, crown lengthening is a treatment option. During the crown lengthening procedure, bone that is not critically supporting the teeth is removed to create the proper tooth length. The final appearance of the teeth from this procedure is the same as that of a gingivectomy.
Benefits of Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Most patients heal from cosmetic gum surgery very quickly, and the procedure itself is painless because a local anesthetic is used. Patients who undergo cosmetic gum surgery often have increased self-confidence. The surgery also provides oral health benefits by correcting receding gums, reducing tooth sensitivity, preventing roots from decay, and preventing further gum recession.
Why Choose Periodontist/Prosthodontist Dr. Zahir Khokhar to Perform Cosmetic Gum Surgery?
Dr. Khokhar is a specialist in periodontics and Prosthodontics in Hackettstown, Dr. Khokhar combines his extensive education, passion for providing top-notch customer service, and years of experience as a periodontist and prosthodontist to deliver an overall exceptional experience to his patients. Using the most up-to-date technology and techniques, Dr. Khokhar will dramatically improve the quality of your smile. For more information about the cosmetic gum surgery procedures that Dr. Khokhar offers, please call us at 908-850-0005 or visit our websiet http://www.jerseydentist.com/.
Dental Updates for our patients and friends
Friday, February 11, 2011
What Are Your Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
Missing teeth are an unsightly and embarrassing problem that is often the result of extensive cavities, gum disease, or injuries.
Side effects of missing teeth include difficulty chewing food, speech impediments, and an irregular bite. Moreover, having missing teeth can increase your risk for gum disease and cavities because food can get stuck in the gaps. Improve your health, appearance, and self-esteem by replacing missing teeth. There are three options for replacing missing teeth: removable partial dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are described below.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable Partial dentures are removable plastic or metal frameworks that contain false teeth. The advantages of partial dentures are that they are usually the least expensive and non-invasive. The disadvantages of partial dentures are that they feel unnatural and can cause difficulties with chewing and speaking. It takes time to get used to wearing dentures, and no matter how long you use them, they’ll never feel the same as natural teeth.
Bridges
Bridges are false teeth that are attached to adjacent, natural teeth. Bridges are made with either porcelain or metal. Typically, a dentist will trim down the teeth on either side of the missing tooth so that crowns can fit on top. The crowns are permanently attached to a false replacement tooth in the center. Bridges have a natural appearance, are comfortable, and while they can last for long periods, they are expected to last from five to ten years. Since bridges are cemented in place, they cannot be removed for cleaning and you must use a special type of dental floss or special brushes to clean your natural teeth. As bridges can be challenging to clean, they are prone to decay and if significant damage occurs to one of the supporting teeth, root canals can become necessary or tooth loss can occur. Bear in mind that bridges are not an option if several teeth in a row are missing or if surrounding teeth have suffered extensive bone loss as a result of gum disease.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular methods of tooth replacement. A dental implant consists of a metal post (screw) that serves as an artificial tooth root. The implant is placed into your jaw to hold a crown or appliance in place. Dental implants are not acceptable to decay depending on how well they are cared for, can last for a very long time. Dental Implants are more stable than other tooth replacement options. Furthermore, dental implants help to prevent bone loss and gum recession because the crown stimulates the underlying bone, preventing it from deteriorating. The downside of dental implants is that they can take a little time to get ready for use and require minor oral surgery for placement. Moreover, implants aren’t right for everyone. You need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to be eligible for implants, and smoking can affect success and longevity of the implant.
To find out more, please contact our office at 908-850-0005. We will answer all your questions.
Side effects of missing teeth include difficulty chewing food, speech impediments, and an irregular bite. Moreover, having missing teeth can increase your risk for gum disease and cavities because food can get stuck in the gaps. Improve your health, appearance, and self-esteem by replacing missing teeth. There are three options for replacing missing teeth: removable partial dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are described below.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable Partial dentures are removable plastic or metal frameworks that contain false teeth. The advantages of partial dentures are that they are usually the least expensive and non-invasive. The disadvantages of partial dentures are that they feel unnatural and can cause difficulties with chewing and speaking. It takes time to get used to wearing dentures, and no matter how long you use them, they’ll never feel the same as natural teeth.
Bridges
Bridges are false teeth that are attached to adjacent, natural teeth. Bridges are made with either porcelain or metal. Typically, a dentist will trim down the teeth on either side of the missing tooth so that crowns can fit on top. The crowns are permanently attached to a false replacement tooth in the center. Bridges have a natural appearance, are comfortable, and while they can last for long periods, they are expected to last from five to ten years. Since bridges are cemented in place, they cannot be removed for cleaning and you must use a special type of dental floss or special brushes to clean your natural teeth. As bridges can be challenging to clean, they are prone to decay and if significant damage occurs to one of the supporting teeth, root canals can become necessary or tooth loss can occur. Bear in mind that bridges are not an option if several teeth in a row are missing or if surrounding teeth have suffered extensive bone loss as a result of gum disease.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular methods of tooth replacement. A dental implant consists of a metal post (screw) that serves as an artificial tooth root. The implant is placed into your jaw to hold a crown or appliance in place. Dental implants are not acceptable to decay depending on how well they are cared for, can last for a very long time. Dental Implants are more stable than other tooth replacement options. Furthermore, dental implants help to prevent bone loss and gum recession because the crown stimulates the underlying bone, preventing it from deteriorating. The downside of dental implants is that they can take a little time to get ready for use and require minor oral surgery for placement. Moreover, implants aren’t right for everyone. You need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to be eligible for implants, and smoking can affect success and longevity of the implant.
To find out more, please contact our office at 908-850-0005. We will answer all your questions.
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