Dealing with Troublesome Gums
This article focuses upon the cosmetic procedures designed to improve smile aesthetic as a result of gums that have either encroached or retreated from the crowns of the teeth.
Most of us associate the cosmetic dentist with more commonly known aesthetic treatments and procedures such as teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers and crowns. But while the teeth tend to steal the limelight, this qualified and experienced periodontist also focuses much of his expertise upon the health and appearance of your gums! Wait… don’t tell me… is there actually a gum ‘pinkening’ treatment on the market now? What with the incredible and ceaseless advancements being made in medical science and cosmetic dentistry, this would hardly be surprising. But no, the cosmetic dentist actually corrects the myriad of problems that can be associated with the gums and their appearance.
Cosmetic Dentist: Procedures
While we may not imagine that the gums can cause aesthetic problems, they can and frequently do. They can grow too far down the crown of the tooth resulting in a ‘gummy’ smile or, conversely, retreat too far up causing the darker roots to become exposed. In either case, the results are poor smile aesthetics that can quite easily be treated by the cosmetic dentist.
Crown Lengthening
In cases where patients present with gum margins that have encroached over the teeth, leaving only stumps of white visible, the cosmetic dentist can remove a strip of tissue to reveal a greater portion of the tooth crowns. The underlying cause of this however can be an oral bacterial infection, such as is indicative of gum disease. Should the cosmetic dentist find this to be the case with you, he will generally focus upon eliminating the root of the problem before recommending any kind of surgery to correct your smile aesthetics.
Gum Grafts
Quite the opposite problem is when the gums have retreated substantially from the crowns of the teeth resulting in an unaesthetic ‘toothy’ smile that could only possibly be becoming on a horse. The cause behind this fairly common situation can be associated with an incorrect brushing technique that is forcing the gums back from the teeth. It can, however, also be a symptom of periodontal (gum) disease; an acute and chronic oral bacterial infection. The cosmetic dentist will once again prescribe an appropriate course of treatment before dealing with the associated effects on your smile aesthetics. Gum grafting consists of attaching a thin strip of soft tissue (generally sourced from the palate) to the retreated gum margin. This not only covers the sensitive root and protects it from bacteria, but it also makes a big difference to your smile aesthetics.Important Note About the Cosmetic Dentist
When it comes to your good oral health, there are no shortcuts. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile, dazzling white teeth and healthy pink gums, you need to maintain a high standard of oral health and hygiene. While the cosmetic dentist has a full arsenal of treatments and procedures designed to restore smile aesthetics, he is first and foremost concerned with maintaining the good health of your teeth and gums. Regular check-ups and great oral hygiene are usually enough to prevent the need for cosmetic enhancements, but if not, the cosmetic dentist is your beautiful smile expert!
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