Periodontists are often considered the plastic surgeons of dentistry. If you are looking to improve your smile, a periodontist may be able to help.

A “gummy smile” is used to describe an instance where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue resulting in a less aesthetically pleasing smile. Crown lengthening involves reshaping or recontouring the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question, to create a new gum to tooth relationship. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth or the entire gumline.

When the teeth appear elongated with an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth sometimes with root sensitivity to hot and cold foods, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an effective option. Gum recession causes a loss of gingival tissue which is a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma and can lead to root decay, root gouging and ultimately, tooth loss.