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If you have gum disease, a periodontist can provide specialized treatments to stop the infection and promote healing. Plus, they can help restore gum issues that affect the appearance of your smile. If you’re concerned about the look of your gums, here are a few periodontal therapy options that may help.

3 Periodontal Treatments That Can Improve the Look of Your Gums

1. Soft Tissue Grafting

Whether because of gum disease, excessive brushing, or genetics, a receding gum line can make your smile appear more toothy and uneven than you would like. In addition to cosmetic problems, gum recession can expose the tooth’s roots, increasing the risk of sensitivity and pain.

If the recession is minor, a periodontist may perform deep-cleaning treatments known as scaling and planing, followed by laser-assisted regeneration. Together, these treatments remove hard-to-reach plaque and stimulate new tissue growth.

However, if the recession is significant, soft tissue grafting may be the better option. During this minimally invasive surgery, a periodontist will remove damaged tissue and attach a graft segment usually taken from elsewhere in the mouth, which will stimulate new growth.  

2. Trimming Overgrown Tissue

periodontistOvergrowth of gum tissue may be the result of medications, genetics, or an underlying condition like diabetes or anemia. People with this issue will have a “gummy” smile in which the teeth appear considerably small. Extra tissue may also swell and feel tender to the touch.

Surgical procedures are the most effective way to remove overgrown tissue. Periodontal specialists will typically use laser excision tools to quickly and accurately cut away the excess tissue. If an infection is present, you may require periodontal flap surgery, a procedure in which the gums are separated from teeth so plaque and tartar can be removed from underneath.

3. Bone Grafting

When the jawbone deteriorates because of missing teeth or gum disease, the resulting structural changes can cause teeth to shift, become misaligned, or fall out. Shrinking bone mass will also cause the jawline to appear sunken in, contributing to excessive wrinkles around the mouth.

To stay ahead of these complications, talk to a periodontist about bone grafting. In this procedure, synthetic or natural bone tissue is inserted into the affected area. A successful graft will integrate with the existing bone and promote new growth to produce a fuller looking jaw.

 

If you’re concerned about the look of your gums, the Periodontal Specialists of Hawaii are equipped to provide state-of-the-art smile makeovers. Located in Honolulu, HI, this periodontal clinic offers advanced LANAP® laser surgery to support gum disease treatment as well as treat tissue growth problems. If you’ve experienced bone or tissue loss, these caring professionals are also well-versed in soft and hard tissue grafting procedures. Visit the practice online to learn more about these capabilities, or call (808) 955-1506 to schedule a consultation with a periodontist.

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