Esthetic Enhancement

 

Esthetic Crown Lengthening:  In certain patients, during tooth eruption, the gum tissue does not recede away from the teeth. These patients typically have the appearance of a "gummy" smile. In most circumstances, the teeth appear short and square because the remaining tooth structure is covered underneath the gum tissue. The extra gum tissue can be removed to enhance smile esthetics. In other circumstances, a periodontist can surgically lengthen the teeth which will allows the restorative dentist to fabricate new crowns and veneers of the proper shape and size for a highly esthetic result.

 

Tissue Grafting: Thin tissue around teeth predisposes the patient to gum recession which may expose the restorative margins of crowns and bridges or roots of teeth. Thickening the tissue can help to prevent soft tissue recession.

 

Contour Augmentation:  Following tooth extraction, the bone where the tooth once existed resorbs and the contour of the jaw bone can collapse (see lower left photo) resulting in shadows and un-esthetic contours of the gingiva. Soft tissue may be augmented surgically with connective tissue or other donor grafts to restore the ridge to the proper dimensions and enhance the results obtained in combination with cosmetic dental work.