If you struggle with severe gum disease that cannot be controlled with more conservative treatments, gum surgery may be a good option for you. This type of periodontal care can remove diseased tissue, as well as bacteria and plaque from your tooth roots. Gum surgery can also have a big impact on the look of your smile, and some patients undergo treatment solely as a cosmetic procedure.
At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, we perform several types of gum surgery. Our doctors use state-of-the-art dental lasers and ultrasonic tools to perform precise treatment with less discomfort. We are also highly attuned to aesthetics and can refine your gum line to enhance your entire smile.
To learn more about the different types of gum surgery, contact Metropolitan Dental Care today.
Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is the most common option for patients with advanced periodontitis. After cleaning your teeth and numbing the area, your doctor will create a flap in your gum tissue, through which they can access the underlying dental root.
Then your surgeon will perform scaling and root planing. Using both handheld and ultrasonic instruments, they will remove bacteria from your tooth roots and smooth their surface to prevent microbes from harboring in the tiny crevices. Finally, your surgeon will reshape the surrounding bone and replace the gingival flap. Tiny, dissolvable stitches will keep the tissues in place.
Gum Grafts
If periodontitis has caused significant gum recession, your doctor may recommend a gum graft. This can be performed on its own or in conjunction with flap surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon will use a tissue sample, often taken from the roof of your mouth, to rebuild the compromised areas of your gums. The new tissue will integrate with your existing gum line to protect your tooth roots and give you a more even smile.
Though periodontal disease is the most common reason for gum recession, you may benefit from gum grafting for other reasons. For instance, some people experience age-related gum recession. Others are simply born with proportionately long teeth and choose treatment to enhance their appearance.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is performed for cosmetic reasons. If you have unusually large or uneven gums, this procedure can give you a bigger, healthier-looking grin. Excess gum tissue is sometimes referred to as a “gummy smile” and is clinically defined as having more than 3 mm of gum tissue that shows when smiling. Using a soft tissue laser, your dentist will carefully trim away excess or uneven tissue to give you a sculpted, smooth gum line.
Dental lasers promote faster healing by sealing blood vessels as they go. They also enable your dentist to perform an incredibly precise gum surgery, tailoring your treatment to meet your specific cosmetic goals.
Find Out If You Are a Candidate for Gum Surgery
To learn whether gum surgery will benefit you, contact our Denver office today.
Book online or give us a call at 303-534-2626.
