An aesthetically pleasing smile typically comprises several key elements, one of which is the proportion of teeth to gums. When too little gum is visible, patients often express concern that their teeth appear too long. Conversely, when excessive gum is exposed, individuals frequently describe their smile as “gummy.”
What options do we have for correcting this imbalance, and how effective are these treatments? Learn more about periodontal therapy here.
Gum Contouring for Gummy Smile Or Irregular Gum Line
Usually, in a normal full smile, the upper lip should rest just at the gum line of the upper front teeth and the lower lip at the biting edges (or tips) of the same upper front teeth. If the upper lip is short and rests higher up, then more gum will be visible when you smile.
Gum surgery, specifically gum contouring, can lengthen the upper front few teeth to make them look longer and hence reduce the effect of too much gum being shown when smiling.
Sometimes other procedures such as orthodontics (braces) or orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery to align the jaws) may also be needed to address a severe gummy smile situation.
Gum Grafting for Gum Recession
This type of periodontal therapy is carried out when gum pulls back from the teeth (recedes) and can only be performed on one or several teeth at a time.
In most cases, gum recession happens due to overbrushing with a medium or hard toothbrush or incorrect brushing technique. It can also be due to poor oral hygiene or periodontitis. Gum surgery can be performed to graft gum tissue back to its original contour in some cases. Treatment success, however, depends on the severity of the recession and the presence of periodontitis. Most of the time the gum graft is taken from the patient’s own palate though sometimes an external graft may be used.
Bone and Gum Preservation for Implant or Bridge Preparation.
Planning for replacing a tooth with an implant or bridge is done before the unsalvageable tooth is taken out. This is because once a badly broken down or infected tooth is taken out, the bone that surrounds it shrinks as the socket (hole that is left after the tooth is taken out) heals.
Hence, the patient is left with a flattened or depressed gap that may make the ensuing implant or bridge to be placed look unnatural. To make tooth replacement easier and more effective, gum and bone surgery can be performed at the same time as a tooth extraction. This helps to preserve the surrounding bone, and prevent shrinkage as the extraction site heals.
Bone and Gum Grafting for Implants
Sometimes if the shrinkage has already occurred as the extraction of the tooth was done some time ago, gum surgery can be done to graft back the gum or bone that is lost. There is, however, a limit to how much bone/gum can be grafted. A proper consultation and evaluation would be necessary in order for your dentist to plan appropriately.
Gingivectomy for Gum Overgrowth
Certain medications, such as those for kidney transplant patients or the antihypertensive drug for high blood pressure, such as Felodipne, Amlodipine or Diltiazem, can sometimes cause gum overgrowth, particularly in individuals with poor oral hygiene. This condition can be effectively addressed through gum surgery (gingivectomy), helping to restore a normal gum line and improve both aesthetic appearance and oral health.
Conclusion
Aesthetic periodontal therapy offers a range of surgical and non-surgical interventions to address gum disease, irregular gum lines, and other aesthetic concerns. These procedures not only improve oral health but also enhance the appearance of the smile, boosting patients’ self-confidence.
With advancements in techniques and materials, gum aesthetics in Singapore provide access to effective and predictable solutions for achieving optimal gum aesthetics and overall well-being.
It’s important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for individual needs and goals.
References:
Gingivitis, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354459 Accessed July 26, 2024
Dental Bone Graft, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft , Accessed July 26, 2024
Gum Contouring, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25208-gum-contouring Accessed July 26, 2024
All about gingivectomy: Before and after the procedure, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gingivectomy Accessed July 26, 2024
