Loss of gum tissue is usually caused by gum disease or recession that occurs with aging or poor hygiene, and can create the appearance of very long teeth. Receding gums can also cause increased tooth sensitivity and put you at risk for losing the tooth altogether. Cosmetic gum surgery can now effectively be used to replace lost gum tissue.
Gum surgery:
Unlike gum contouring, gum surgery involves replacing missing gum tissue with tissue from another part of the mouth. A gum specialist known as a periodontist usually performs the procedure. The area of recession is anesthetized with local anesthesia and prepared for receiving the graft. For larger treatment areas, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be preferred.
Once it is ready, a piece of gum tissue usually from the palate is placed over the receded area and sutured into place. After the area is healed, the patient will have lost the "long in the tooth" look, giving them their natural smile back.
Gum Contouring:
Gum contouring can be as simple as removing some of the gum tissue to eliminate a "gummy" smile or more complicated, involving removal of both bone and gum tissue. If just a small amount of tissue needs to be removed, a diode laser can be used to remove tissue with anesthesia. This can usually be accomplished is 15 to 30 minutes.
If a larger amount of tissue needs to be removed, then gum and bone surgery is required in a procedure called crown lengthening. This involves 1 to 2 hours, with a required healing period of 4 to 6 weeks.
