Esthetic Procedures

Several periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems, gum recession, lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and to improve the esthetics of your gumline.

Connective Tissue Grafts

Gum recession can result in exposed tooth roots. Exposed tooth roots can be unsightly and/or cause sensitivity to hot and/or cold. Gum recession can be caused by several factors, including aggressive tooth brushing and/or periodontal disease. A connective tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Connective tissue graft 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 the esthetics of your smile.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening can improve a "gummy" smile where your teeth appear short. Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths, but are covered with too much gum tissue.

During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth or to several teeth to expose a natural smile and even your gum line.

Your dentist may also recommend crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored. Whether you have crown lengthening for esthetics or to improve function, you will likely receive the benefits of both: a beautiful smile and improved periodontal health.

Ridge Augmentation

Ridge augmentation can fill the indention in your gums and jawbone that sometimes appears where a missing tooth used to be. The indention happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. After successful ridge augmentation a new tooth can then be created that is natural-looking.