Your gums play an important role in your oral health, your appearance, and even your overall physical wellbeing. This is why dentists put such an emphasis on preventing and treating conditions like gum disease. Periodontal care includes many conservative treatments, like deep cleanings. But if you suffer from advanced periodontitis, gum surgery could save your smile and long-term health. 

At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, we offer several types of gum surgery. Most of our periodontal treatment focuses on improving oral health. But we also offer cosmetic treatment to give patients a bigger and more youthful smile. Our dentists use remarkable precision to achieve optimal results with minimal discomfort and recovery time. 

If you are suffering from gum disease or if you feel you might benefit from cosmetic gum contouring, contact our office today.

1. Gum Flap Surgery

Periodontal disease is rampant, affecting almost half of adults over age 30 and 70% of seniors over age 65. These high numbers are a concern, since gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Plus, the condition is linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. 

With gum disease, pockets of bacteria eventually cause the gums to recede and pull away from the tooth roots. Gum flap surgery allows a dentist to access these deeper pockets of bacteria. 

Your surgeon will create a small flap in the gums through which he or she can remove microbes and damaged tissue. The doctor will also reshape the dental roots, eliminating microscopic crevasses which can harbor bacteria. Ultrasonic instruments mean that our gum surgery involves minimal discomfort. Once all bacteria is gone, your doctor will replace the gingival flap and place a few stitches to keep it in place.

2. Gum Graft Surgery

Gum recession often accompanies gum disease, but it can also be a side effect of teeth grinding, dental misalignment, age, genetics, and other factors. Whatever the cause, if receding gums leave tooth roots exposed, it can result in significant discomfort. Gum recession can also affect your appearance, making your teeth appear overly large or uneven. 

During a gum graft, your surgeon will take a small amount of soft tissue from the roof of the mouth or another part of the gums. Donor tissue may also be used. Then the doctor will place this tissue over the recessed areas and exposed dental roots, using tiny sutures to keep it in place.

3. Cosmetic Gum Contouring 

Though excess gum tissue will not harm your health, it can affect your appearance, making your teeth appear disproportionately small. Similarly, an uneven gum line can make your teeth look crooked, even if you don’t suffer from dental misalignment. During this cosmetic gum surgery, your dentist will use a soft tissue laser to remove the unwanted tissue. Lasers actually seal up tissues and blood vessels as they go, meaning your recovery will be quick and easy.

Learn More about Gum Surgery and Whether You Are a Candidate for Treatment

Gum surgery can have tremendous benefits, preventing tooth loss, reducing the risk for other health problems, improving your appearance, and boosting your self esteem. 

To schedule a periodontal consultation, contact Metropolitan Dental Care today. Book an appointment via our website or call 303-534-2626.