What is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring reshapes or resculpts your gumline by adding or removing excess gum tissue around your teeth.
Crown Lenthening
Recontouring can include Crown Lenthening, wheter it be estehtic (correcting that ‘gummy smile’) or functional to prepare a tooth for restoration from damange, like from a crack or prepare for a crown.
Gum Grafting Procedures
A grafting procudure can be implemented if you have gum recession. The procedure involves restoring gum tissue
This procedure is done to improve the look of the gums, teeth, or smile.
When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Also, gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.
A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth.
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.
When decay occurs below the gumline, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone and gum tissue. Your dentist may ask for this procedure before he or she makes a new crown for your tooth.
If the front teeth are too short or of uneven length, crown lengthening might be indicated. Reshaping the gum and supporting tissues will allow your general dentist adequate room to place a quality final restoration.