Periodontal Plastic Surgery
Periodontal plastic surgery is a type of dental surgery that aims to improve the appearance of a person’s gums and teeth. It is used to correct various cosmetic and functional problems of the gums, such as receding gums, uneven gum lines, and gaps between teeth. The surgery involves reshaping the gum tissue and sometimes the underlying bone to create a more attractive and natural-looking gum line.
There are several techniques that can be used in periodontal plastic surgery, including gum grafts, flap surgery, and crown lengthening. The specific technique used depends on the individual’s needs and goals. Periodontal plastic surgery can improve a person’s oral health as well as their self-confidence by giving them a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening may be performed for one single problem tooth or to enhance your entire smile. This type of periodontal plastic surgery removes excess gum tissue to create a more appealing look for patients with too much visible gum tissue. With this restorative dental care method, Dr. Klauser will surgically remove a portion of gum tissue to allow more of your tooth to show, transforming your smile with a more radiant, less gummy appearance.
The procedure takes roughly an hour to perform. Dr. Klauser will administer an anesthetic to ensure your comfort while incisions are made in the gums to facilitate their separation and removal. A small portion of bone may be extracted in certain patients to effect a more natural presentation. All incisions are cleaned, sutured, and bandaged so that the gum tissue will reattach to the teeth. After one to two weeks, a visit to Dr. Klauser is scheduled for removal of sutures and an evaluation.
Functional Crown Lengthening
This type of periodontal plastic surgery is generally used in conjunction with other restorative procedures. When a tooth is broken below the gum line, for example, Dr. Klauser may need to reduce the gum line and possibly some jaw bone to uncover more of the tooth surface in order to restore it properly. This procedure is performed in a similar fashion to esthetic crown lengthening. However, after the sutures are removed, additional restorative dental care will be necessary such as the placement of a crown or a bridge.