Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Cosmetic gum surgery replaces lost gum tissue (Credit: Powerbooktrance)

Gum disease and recession that occurs with aging or poor hygiene can lead to loss of gum tissue and this creates an appearance of very long teeth. Receding gums can also cause increased tooth sensitivity and put you at risk for losing the tooth altogether. Cosmetic gum surgery can now replace lost gum tissue.

Cosmetic gum surgery involves replacing missing gum tissue with tissue from another part of the mouth. A gum specialist known as a periodontist prepares the area for a graft with local anesthesia. For larger treatments, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be preferred.

Then a piece of gum tissue from the palate is placed over the receded area and sutured into place. After the gum surgery, the patient will get back their natural smile.

If larger amount of tissue needs to be removed, then a crown lengthening procedure is performed. This involved 1 to 2 hours, with a required healing period of 4-6 weeks.