periodontal Plastic Surgery        \Gummy Smile Surgery

What is a gummy smile?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought that your teeth looked too small? This common trait is known as a “gummy smile.” With a gummy smile, although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure called crown lengthening.

What causes a gummy smile?

• Overbite
• Overgrowth of maxilla
• Extra lip movement
• A short upper lip
• Teeth that don’t rise above the bone
• Gums that don’t recede with age

How is the procedure performed?

Crown lengthening corrects the ratio of gum to tooth by shaping the soft gum and the bone tissue to create a more balanced smile. During the procedure, the gums and the bone are sculpted to reveal previously hidden teeth. Anesthesia ensures that the procedure is pain-free and usually post-op pain is sufficiently managed by over the counter pain medications at home.

Why is the procedure performed?

In addition to keeping you healthy, we consider it part of our job to make sure that you feel good about the way you look. It’s important to be confident with your smile in today’s world. A great smile is an integral part of success in a professional and social setting.

Self-confidence and general health are strongly linked. When you smile, the brain releases endorphins that promote happiness and good mental health.

Another cosmetic procedure is the soft tissue graft. It is used to cover unattractive tooth roots, reduce gum recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual loss.

Tooth loss causes the jawbone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, and increase the appearance of general aging. The original look of your mouth may not be recaptured because of spaces remaining under and between replacement teeth. They may appear too long compared to nearby teeth.

Bone grafting following tooth loss can preserve the socket/ridge and minimize gum and bone collapse. There is less shrinkage and a more aesthetic tooth replacement for either an implant crown or fixed bridge around the replacement teeth.

For more information about crown lengthening, gum grafting, and bone grafting, please refer to the treatment section of our website and click on each individual procedure for an in-depth description.

Give us a call at Livonia Periodontist Office Phone Number 734-542-9904 for help with your gummy smile. We will help you explore all of your treatment options.

Browse Dr. Zakaria’s book to see the results Dr. Zakaria can achieve.