Why do I need plastic surgery?
What are the benefits of mucogingival/periodontal plastic surgery?
Why do I need crown lengthening?
What are the benefits of crown lengthening?
Why do I need a ridge augmentation?
What is the appropriate treatment sequence for these procedures?
How are these treatments performed?
Why do I need plastic surgery?
Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession, and/or to improve the aesthetics of your gum line. Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you're not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.
Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment your periodontist can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss. Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.
back to top
What are the benefits of mucogingival/periodontal plastic surgery?
A soft 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 aesthetics of your smile.
Whether you have crown lengthening to improve function or aesthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health - your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
back to top
Why do I need crown lengthening?
Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the aesthetics of your gum line. Do you feel your teeth look too short and your smile is too gummy or your gums cover too much of some teeth while leaving the others the right length? Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths, but they're covered with too much gum tissue. To correct this, your periodontist performs crown lengthening. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.
Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. Perhaps your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge.
back to top
What are the benefits of crown lengthening?
Whether you have crown lengthening to improve function or aesthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health - your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
back to top
Why do I need a ridge augmentation?
Sometimes when you lose one or more teeth, you can get an indention in your gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be. This happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not only is this indentation unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth. This may even affect the way you speak if it involves a front tooth.
A periodontist can fill in this "defect" with a procedure called a ridge augmentation, recapturing the natural contour of your gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created by your dentist that is natural looking, easy-to-clean, and beautiful.
back to top
What is the appropriate treatment sequence for these procedures?
Preprosthetic communication between your dentist and periodontist is essential to arrive at a treatment plan that meets your needs and expectations.
Usually, periodontal procedures are completed prior to restorative work. Sometimes, you may be in transition from the start of your restorative care and its completion. This may mean you are in temporaries, which will not be replaced by the final restorations until your periodontal therapy is complete.
back to top
How are these treatments performed?
Periodontal plastic surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and some form of sedation. Improved techniques have greatly advanced grafting procedures. The results of these advances have been shorter healing times, absence of scarring, and an aesthetic result. You will need to make some changes to your eating habits during the first 2 weeks by eating softer foods. Other possible medications and instructions will be discussed at your consultation appointment. Patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved oral health.
back to top
“Dr. Diamond and his staff were extremely caring and helpful with all the care provided. Thank you.”
C.C, Warminster