Gingivoplasty (Minor Gum Surgery)

Why have minor gum surgery?
Teeth are not the only part of a great smile. The appearance of your gums can have a huge impact on your smile. Are they healthy and pink? Or red and irritated? Do they cover too much or too little of your teeth? Do they create a proper frame for the great-looking teeth you and your dentist have worked so hard to perfect? If your answer is “no,” then cosmetic gum surgery may be the answer.

Gingivoplasty can correct problems such as the “long in the tooth” look and a “gummy” smile. The “long in the tooth” look occurs when a patient's gums have receded (or shrunk back) from the natural gum line, creating the image of an abnormally long tooth. The long in the tooth look usually occurs from age or gum disease, and can be corrected by your dentist to bring back a more youthful looking smile.

How is the “long in the tooth” look corrected?
To correct a long in the tooth smile, your dentist or orthodontist will remove a section of healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth and will graft it on to the affected gum line. The grafted tissue will help to thicken any thin areas of your gums, and reinforce teeth that might have become loose due to gum loss. Though some soreness may occur after the procedure, you should experience very little discomfort during and after the surgery. An anti-bacterial mouthwash is recommended for use for the following two weeks.

How is the “gummy smile” corrected?
You may appear to have a “gummy” smile when your gum line is lower than the average person's, causing your teeth to appear shortened and small. Your dentist can correct this problem very easily by removing the excess gum using advanced laser technology. In some cases, excess bone can also be removed to create a more natural appearing length of tooth and a healthy gum line. Once the gum line has been reduced, a natural-sized tooth will be exposed to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted. The same operation can be used for patients who are concerned about uneven or collapsing gum lines due to missing teeth. Dark or black areas from gum disease and decay can be corrected, as can tooth sensitivity caused by the root of the tooth being exposed by a shrinking gum line.

What can I expect after gingivoplasty?
The healing process after gum surgery is usually very quick. Once your gums are healed, you should notice less sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and food items. The roots of your teeth will now be protected against further tooth decay and you should no longer experience shrinkage at the gum line due to gum disease. Brush daily as recommended by your dentist, being careful to floss at the gum line to remove any stray debris and bacteria that could cause irritation or infection. Your new gums should appear natural and healthy, and will add to an already great-looking smile.