Are your teeth looking unusually long due to gum recession? Are you unable to get a dental crown because of an excessive amount of gum tissue? These are just a few examples of issues that might require some type of gum procedure from a skilled periodontist. Below is a closer look at 3 common treatments involving the gums and why they might be necessary for getting your oral health back on track.
1. Gum Grafting
During the later stages of gum disease, harmful bacteria attack and damage the soft tissues protecting your tooth roots. This leads to gum recession, which is when the gums pull away from the teeth. Not only does this make your teeth look longer than normal, but it can also increase your risk for cavities. Fortunately, it’s often possible to correct gum recession with a surgical procedure known as gum grafting.
During the gum grafting process, soft tissue is taken from another part of your mouth and transplanted to the area where recession has occurred. There are different types of gum grafts that might be performed depending on the situation; the most common type is a connective tissue graft, which is when the required tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth. A successful gum graft can help reverse the effects of gum recession and lower your risk for further oral health issues.
2. Crown Lengthening
When a tooth is damaged, a restoration such as a dental crown can often be used to repair it. However, if there’s too much gum tissue present around the tooth in question, there may not be enough room for the restoration. In this situation, your periodontist may recommend crown lengthening.
Simply put, crown lengthening involves removing unneeded gum tissue from your mouth in order to reveal more of the underlying dental structure. Once your mouth has fully healed from this procedure, you’ll be ready to receive your personalized restoration.
3. Osseous Surgery
Severe gum disease can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums. It can be all too easy for harmful bacteria to build up in these pockets, causing further damage. To reduce these pockets and give the gums a chance to heal, your periodontist may perform a procedure called osseous surgery.
During this treatment, a local anesthetic is used to numb your mouth. Then a small opening is created in the gums to expose the roots of the teeth. Using special instruments, your periodontist removes any plaque and tartar that have built up on the roots. In some cases, they may also reshape the bone around the teeth. After that, the gums are sutured shut so that they can heal.
The gum procedures listed above can go a long way toward helping you reclaim a healthy smile. If you suspect that you may need some form of gum treatment, you should get in touch with your periodontist as soon as possible. Once they have examined your mouth, they can help you determine what steps need to be taken to restore your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Carnow is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and he received his specialty training in Periodontics from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Thanks to his advanced training, he is able to offer a wide range of gum procedures, including gum grafting, crown lengthening, and osseous surgery. If you need the services of a knowledgeable periodontist, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Carnow at Frisco Periodontics and Implants by visiting his website or calling (214) 619-4990.