Gum Surgery ‚- What is Gum Surgery?

Gum surgery is a dental procedure that is used to correct cosmetic smile problems related to gums or as a surgical procedure to correct gum problems related to periodontal gum problems.

Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Cosmetic gum surgery can be used to either increase the amount of tooth surface or eliminate an overly ‚”gummy‚” smile appearance. Alternatively, gum surgery can also be used to change the length of tooth exposure, restoring a youthful appearing smile.

Periodontal Gum Surgery

Periodontal gum surgery is used to correct gum problems resulting from periodontal gum disease . The causes of periodontal gum problems are numerous. One of the primary causes is poor dental hygiene . Proper brushing and flossing of teeth prevents gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease. Family disposition to gum problems can be a large contributing factor to gum disease. Another factor can be chronic tobacco or alcohol use. Medical conditions such as diabetes also contribute to periodontal problems, as do pregnancy and certain medications.

Dental Insurance Coverage

Gum surgery performed for purely cosmetic reasons is rarely covered by dental insurance . However, if gum surgery is needed to address problems resulting from periodontal disease, highly sensitive teeth or for reconstructive or restorative reasons, the surgery may very well be covered by dental insurance. Before committing to the expense of gum surgery, confirm with your dental insurance provider that the surgery is covered by your policy and get a detailed cost estimate from your dentist.

Types of Gum Surgery

There are several different types of gum surgery:

Gingivoplasty/Gingivectomy ‚- these two gum surgery procedures are used to remove excess gum tissue from around the teeth. Both are performed by periodontists and improve the appearance of the gums.
Gingival Flap Surgery ‚- gingival flap surgery is a procedure that allows the dentist access to the roots and bone of the tooth and is usually used in addressing periodontal problems needing extreme scaling and cleaning.
Soft-Tissue Grafts ‚- soft-tissue grafts are used when treating receding gum tissue. Tissue is taken from other parts of the mouth and grafted to the gum tissue, creating more coverage for teeth and creating a healthier, younger looking smile.
Crown Lengthening ‚- crown lengthening is the surgical procedure used when excessive gum tissue exists. Commonly referred to as a “gummy smile,‚” the dentist removes portions of gum tissue and bone to create a more attractive smile.

Summary

Gum surgery is often the cosmetic dental answer to the desire to improve a smile that reveals too much gum, or for teeth that appear to long or big. Additionally, gum surgery is the procedure used to address problems resulting from periodontal disease that affect the gums and teeth. There are four different kinds of gum surgery: gingivoplasty , gingival flap surgery, soft-tissue grafts and crown lengthening. Each of these surgeries addresses a specific surgical goal. The benefits of gum surgery are extensive, but the most important benefit for many patients is the substantial improvement to their smile, giving them added confidence and self esteem as they present themselves to the world.