Are you self-conscious about having “short teeth”? You probably don’t. Your gums might just cover a bit more of your teeth than the average person. Your teeth are probably the proper length, and to correct this a periodontist can perform crown lengthening.
Crown lengthening can be all about cosmetics, or it can also be rendered medically necessary. If you have experienced a great deal of tooth decay, your dentist or periodontist may recommend crown lengthening to restore some of the tooth, giving you a healthier smile.
The surgery consists of cutting along the gingival line (the gums) and removing a portion of it. This can be done around a single tooth, or along the entire gum line if necessary.
Some people have a “gummy smile” due to genetics – others, because of gum disease. This can cause your teeth to appear very small, almost like baby teeth. The procedure is simple, and recovery time is minimal. All it takes is one visit.
Sometimes crown lengthening is utilized when a cavity is very close to the gum line. A portion of the gum will be removed so the cavity can be properly filled. Crown lengthening is also performed to safely secure a crown to a deteriorated tooth.
If your periodontist decides that crown lengthening isn’t enough to achieve the perfect smile, then complementary procedures might be implemented. Lip repositioning can help reduce the appearance of the gums. This procedure will actually move the lip closer toward the gingival line.
You might also suffer from dark spots or discoloration on the gum line. Gum depigmentation can restore your color with ease. “Black gums” may be genetic or caused by smoking, poor oral care, or as a side effect from specific medications. Gum depigmentation surgery can actually remove discolored portions of the gum, causing a lighter, more attractive smile.
If you have any questions about gum surgery in Beverly Hills or have any symptoms listed above, contact Dr. Parnaz Aurasteh at Oral Care Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Call us at 310-247-1252 or visit us at http://www.oralcaredentistry.com/ to learn more.
