and Kevin G. Murphy & Associates
Your teeth aren’t the only component of a healthy, beautiful smile. Your gum health is equally influential. If you have advanced gum disease or aesthetic concerns, your periodontist in Baltimore may recommend periodontal surgery. Don’t worry, it isn’t as scary as it sounds. Our office uses the latest technologies and techniques to provide unmatched precision and comfort. Whether you want to resolve a gummy smile or you have gum disease, here’s how cosmetic periodontal surgery can help you.
Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay. Your teeth can look disproportionate, and you may experience tooth sensitivity. Root coverage grafting can restore a healthy gum line. Tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and grafted over the exposed root. You will improve your oral health and preserve your natural smile while restoring your quality of life.
If you have a gummy smile, your teeth can look short and stubby. You don’t have to feel embarrassed by your smile with crown lengthening. A soft tissue laser removes excess tissue to reveal more of your tooth’s surfaces. Your periodontist will sculpt a beautiful gum line with the utmost precision. The laser removes the need for scalpels and sutures for a quick recovery with fewer risks of complications. A highly concentrated beam of light energy sterilizes and cauterizes the tissue to prevent infection, bleeding, and inflammation.
If you’ve had a tooth extracted, you may require cosmetic gum augmentation to maintain the contours of the gums and jaw. A gum transplant is combined with bone grafting to allow the empty socket to heal. In some cases, this can be done at the same time as the tooth removal to prevent the area from losing its height, width, and shape.
Periodontal surgery offers both restorative and cosmetic benefits. Therefore, it can be recommended for various reasons, like treating gum disease, fixing a gummy smile, or to preparing for dentures.
Your periodontist will examine your mouth and learn more about your concerns before creating a personalized strategy to revamp your smile. You won’t have to worry about any pain or discomfort because a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. Your gums may feel a little tender for a few days, but it will be temporary. You can manage it using an OTC pain reliever. Your periodontist will recommend skipping acidic, hot, spicy, or crunchy foods until after your gums have healed.
Although everyone heals at a different rate, most people recover in about 1 week. While risks of complications are rare, don’t wait to contact our office if you experience:
If you are ready to improve your smile, contact our office today to request your consultation for periodontal surgery. We look forward to creating the healthy, stunning smile you desire.