Bethel Grove Dental Group
Natalie K. Fisher, DDS
Ryan Serra, DMD, MS, Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology
Gum Grafting & Crown Lengthening
Gum Graft
A gum graft is a surgical procedure that aims to repair and restore gum tissue that has receded from the tooth roots. Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, including gum disease, occlusion and tooth migration, genetics, or hormonal changes.
During a gum graft, Dr. Serra will take a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or from a tissue bank and position it within the affected area of your gums. The tissue is carefully stitched in place and left to heal. Over time, the graft will integrate with your existing gum tissue and provide additional support to your teeth.
The procedure itself can be performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the surgery. You may experience some discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
It's important to follow your periodontist's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include avoiding hard or crunchy foods, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
A gum graft can help improve the appearance of your smile, reduce tooth sensitivity, and prevent further gum recession. If you are experiencing gum recession or are concerned about the health of your gums, it's important to speak with us to discuss your treatment options.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Cosmetic crown lengthening is a dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile by reshaping the gum tissue and exposing more of your teeth. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have a "gummy" smile or whose teeth appear too short due to excess gum tissue.
During the procedure, a periodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating gum disease) will carefully remove excess gum tissue from around your teeth and reshape the gum line to expose more of your teeth. In some cases, the underlying bone may also be reshaped to further enhance the appearance of your smile.
The procedure can typically be performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the surgery. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling or discomfort in the treated area, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Cosmetic crown lengthening can help improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence.
Clinical Crown Lengthening
Clinical crown lengthening is a dental procedure performed to expose more of a tooth's structure by removing excess gum tissue and/or bone. It is typically done when there isn't enough visible tooth structure to support a dental restoration or if the gums are covering too much of the tooth.
The procedure involves creating a small incision in the gum tissue and then gently pulling it away from the tooth to expose the underlying bone. The dentist will then remove a small amount of bone and/or gum tissue to expose more of the tooth structure. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and sutured back together to promote healing.
Prior to the procedure, we will perform a comprehensive exam and take x-rays to determine the best course of action. Patients may need to have the procedure done on one or more teeth, depending on their individual needs.
Clinical crown lengthening can help improve the appearance and functionality of teeth, and it can also help prevent future dental problems. It is important for patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits and attend regular dental checkups to ensure the longevity of the procedure's results.
