Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments

The gums and jawbone may require corrective treatment for various reasons, such as periodontal disease, trauma, and birth defects. These conditions can affect the appearance of the gums and teeth, leading to an unaesthetic smile. Fortunately, there are now cosmetic surgery procedures available in periodontics that effectively address these issues and restore natural beauty to the smile. Let’s explore some of the common corrective treatments for the gums and jawbone:

Common Gum Treatments:

1. Crown lengthening (gum lift): This procedure is typically performed to correct a “gummy” smile or expose more of the tooth before restorative surgery. Excess gum tissue can be removed to reshape the gumline, reveal the natural length of the teeth, and create a fuller and more attractive smile. Crown lengthening is also useful for creating an aesthetically pleasing gumline for dental crowns and other restorative procedures.

2. Gum grafts: Gum grafts are often performed to correct a crooked smile or restore gumline symmetry after treating periodontal disease. Gum recession caused by periodontal disease can make the smile appear overly “toothy.” During a gum graft, a thin strip of tissue is taken from the palate and placed over the recession site, helping to recontour the gumline and enhance the appearance of the teeth.

3. Pocket reduction surgery: Periodontal disease can result in unattractive teeth, brown gums, and ridge indentations. Pocket reduction surgery aims to clean the root surfaces of the teeth below the gumline. The procedure involves gently separating the gum from the tooth, removing tartar and plaque using specialized instruments, and applying an antimicrobial solution to eliminate bacteria. Pocket reduction surgery is an effective way to restore gum and bone health.

Common Jawbone Treatments:

1. Sinus augmentation: This procedure is often performed before placing dental implants to ensure their stability and functionality. Sinus augmentation involves elevating the sinus floor to create space for new bone formation. A small incision is made in the bone, and grafting material is placed in the underlying space. After healing, the implant can be securely attached to the newly augmented bone.

2. Ridge modification: Ridge modification is used to address jawbone deformities caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or birth defects. These deformities can make it challenging to place dental implants. During the procedure, the gum is gently pulled away from the bone to expose the defect, which is then filled with bone graft material or a synthetic product. Sutures are used to close the area. Ridge modification improves the cosmetic appearance of the jaw and facilitates successful implant placement.

3. Bone grafts: Bone grafting is necessary for various reasons, such as thickening the jawbone for implant anchor placement, elevating the sinus floor, filling jawbone defects, or repositioning nerves. The grafting material can be sourced from the lower jaw, the iliac section of the pelvis, or synthetic sources. A small opening is made in the jawbone, and the bone graft material is packed into the site. Sutures are placed, and restorative treatments are performed once the healing process is complete.

These gum and jawbone corrective treatments provide effective solutions for improving the health and aesthetics of the smile. Consulting with a periodontist will help determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual needs.