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Periodontic Cosmetic Therapy Periodontal procedures are available to stop further gum recession, lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. Periodontal Cosmetic Surgery Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you're not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids. Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment your periodontist will help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, [periodontal cosmetic surgery] will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss. [Periodontal cosmetic surgery] can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue which is absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity. What are the benefits of this procedure? [Periodontal cosmetic surgery] can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay; this may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health - your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence. Crown Lengthening You may have asked your periodontist about procedures to improve a 'gummy" smile because your teeth appear short. Your teeth may actually be the proper length, but they're covered with too much gum tissue. To correct this, your periodontist performs crown lengthening. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile. Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. Perhaps your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored. What are the benefits of this procedure? Whether you have crown lengthening to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health - your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence. The American Academy of Periodontology, 1999 Pictures by Dr. El Chaar

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