Four Ways My Periodontist Can Help Improve My Smile

1. Tissue grafting - replace tissue that may have receded.

         A.  Tissue grafting can be a fantastic way to help support teeth if you’re smile is not up to your standards and your gums have receded. This procedure allows for tissue to be taken from inside your mouth and placed on your gums in order to rebuild any areas where you have root exposure or your teeth are not holding securely.

   2. Gum contouring - removes tissue to even out a smile line

            a. Do your gums look uneven in spots? Or are they larger in other areas? Gum contouring is a procedure which removes extra tissue in order to even out your smile and create the beautiful look you desire," suggests periodontist Dr. Rice.

   3. Implant surgery - to replace missing teeth

            a. Missing teeth are not only a cosmetic concern; but an overall health concern. If you have missing teeth, implant surgery may be the option you are looking for to replace the missing teeth while restoring your lovely smile.

   4. Depigmentation or removal of amalgam tattooing of gum tissue

            a. Depigmentation is a procedure that can change the color of your gum tissue. If your gum tissue is different shades or darker in color than what you would prefer this simple procedure can allow you to reach the color you desire. Dr. Denine Rice says, "amalgam tattooing is a blue or darker coloring of the skin that comes from amalgam fillings having been placed. At times it can be mistaken for a melanoma because it is usually on the lower part of the gums. This too can be removed in order to ensure you have the healthy looking smile you desire.

Why Did My Dentist Recommend Tissue Grafting?

Tissue grafting is the process where gum tissue is removed from an area of the mouth and placed in a position in need of additional help. “Generally your dentist will recommend tissue grafting when either the gum tissue around a tooth has been lost due to recession or if the area could be cosmetically enhanced.,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Implant and Periodontal Practice.

Gum recession often happens over time and so slowly you may not have noticed, but your dentist will. And if the recession reaches a certain point, you may begin to have sensitivity as the root of the tooth may become exposed or even find that your recession could lead to tooth loss.

The answer is to place new tissue, either removed from the roof of your mouth or the area adjacent to the tooth needing to be repaired. This allows your periodontist to repair the area and at the same time improve the appearance of your smile.