A healthy smile is more than just pearly white teeth. It also includes healthy gums that frame your teeth and contribute to a beautiful smile. But sometimes, gums can recede or become uneven, affecting both the aesthetics and the health of your smile. This is where gum reshaping, also known as periodontal plastic surgery, comes in.
Gum reshaping is a dental procedure that helps restore the health and appearance of your gums. It can address a variety of concerns, including:
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Receding gums: When gums pull away from the teeth, it exposes the sensitive root surface, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay.
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Uneven gum line: An uneven gum line can make your teeth appear crooked or misshapen, even if they are perfectly straight.
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Gummy smile: A gummy smile exposes a large amount of gum tissue when you smile, making your teeth appear shorter than they are.
Depending on your specific needs, your periodontist might use different tools and techniques to achieve the desired results. Here are some of the most common tools used in gum reshaping:
Scalpel
A scalpel is a sharp, thin blade used to precisely remove excess gum tissue. It is commonly used to reshape the gum line or to remove excess tissue in cases of gummy smiles.
Electrosurgery Unit
An electrosurgery unit uses high-frequency electrical current to cut and cauterize tissue simultaneously. This minimizes bleeding and promotes faster healing. It is often used to reshape the gum tissue around individual teeth.
Lasers
Lasers offer a more precise and less invasive way to reshape gums. They vaporize the targeted tissue, minimizing bleeding and discomfort. Lasers are particularly useful for delicate procedures or for patients with bleeding disorders.
Rotary Instruments
Rotary instruments are small, high-speed drills used to reshape and contour the gum tissue. They are effective in removing excess tissue and smoothing out the gum line.
Bone Grafts
In some cases, especially when significant gum recession has occurred, bone grafts may be used to rebuild the lost bone and support the gums. This helps to stabilize the teeth and prevent further recession.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Soft tissue grafts involve taking healthy gum tissue from another area of the mouth and transplanting it to the area where the gums have receded. This helps to increase the amount of gum tissue and protect the exposed tooth roots.
The specific tools used in your gum reshaping procedure will depend on your individual needs and the complexity of the treatment. Your periodontist will discuss the best options for you and explain the procedure in detail before proceeding.
Gum reshaping is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly improve the health and appearance of your smile. It is important to consult with a qualified periodontist to determine if gum reshaping is right for you and to discuss the various tools and techniques that may be used in your treatment.
About |Dental Implants Glenview, IL | Glen Perio At Glen Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we provide the best services for patients, when it comes to implant and periodontal treatments. Call our experts here! Glen Perio - Dr. Joshua Hassan, 2640 Patriot Boulevard Suite 140, Glenview, IL 60026 • 224-488-3392 • glenperio.com • 7/10/2025 • Key Phrases: dental implants Glenview IL •
A healthy smile is more than just pearly white teeth. It also includes healthy gums that frame your teeth and contribute to a beautiful smile. But sometimes, gums can recede or become uneven, affecting both the aesthetics and the health of your smile. This is where gum reshaping, also known as periodontal plastic surgery, comes in.