Smiling is a natural response that conveys a sense of friendliness, warmth, and positivity. In fact, there’s actually a bit of science behind the saying, “You always feel better when you smile.” Research has shown that smiling decreases stress hormones while increasing mood-enhancing hormones, so you really do feel better when you show your pearly whites.
If you’re smiling less these days due to dental problems such as excessive gum tissue (gummy smile) or receding gums that expose your tooth roots, you’re not alone. Excessive gum tissue and exposed tooth roots can occur for many reasons, from natural aging and genetics to hormonal changes and inadequate dental hygiene.
You may have heard about cosmetic dentistry, but have you heard of cosmetic perio? Fortunately, these common issues and many others are often treatable through procedures such as pinhole gum surgery, crown lengthening, gum depigmentation, and more. In this article, we will review a few cosmetic periodontal procedures that can help you feel better about your smile.
Don’t be embarrassed by your smile. Talk to Dr. Scharf about Cosmetic Perio procedures that can restore your confidence.
Dr. David R. Scharf is a board-certified periodontist in Long Island, NY, and a leader in healthy gum procedures and dental implants. Known for a gentle, caring approach, Dr. Scharf and his team are committed to ensuring every patient receives comfortable care.
Some cosmetic perio procedures offered by Scharf Dental include:
Pinhole Gum Surgery
If you have exposed tooth roots or gum recession due to gum disease, excessive teeth grinding or natural aging, you may be a great candidate for pinhole gum surgery. No scalpels or grafting procedures are necessary, and the process is minimally invasive.
During a pinhole procedure, Dr. Scharf uses a specialized tool to create a small hole in your gum tissue. From there, he will gently loosen and lift the gum tissue and place it over the exposed area. You may experience minor gum bleeding or swelling after the procedure, but in most cases, healing time is minimal (a day or two) and the results are instant.
Gum Depigmentation
Darker pigment in your gum tissue is most often due to genetic factors that cause excess melanin production. While dark gums due to excess melanin are completely natural and do not indicate underlying dental disease, some patients prefer to have lighter gums for aesthetic reasons. Gum depigmentation procedure options include laser gum depigmentation, cryosurgery (freezing), scalpel removal, and electrosurgery. Dr. Scharf prefers the less invasive and quicker healing procedure using a laser.
During a laser gum depigmentation procedure, Dr. Scharf uses a specialized dental laser to target the areas of excess pigmentation. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light energy that is absorbed by the melanin in the gums. This energy breaks down the melanin without harming the surrounding tissues. In addition to removing excess pigmentation, the laser also stimulates the production of collagen in the gums. This can help promote healing and improve the overall appearance and health of the gums.
Gummy Smile Treatment
Gingivectomy or “gummy smile treatment” offers promising results for patients with teeth that are covered by excess gum tissue. In many cases, the covered teeth may be perfectly proportioned with no underlying dental issues, but the overlapping gum tissue creates a “shortened” appearance.
The medical term for an overabundance of gum tissue is “altered passive eruption,” and this condition is often treated with laser or scalpel surgery. If Dr. Scharf determines that a dental condition is responsible for the gum tissue overgrowth, they’ll need to treat the underlying issue before proceeding with the gingivectomy.
During a laser gingivectomy procedure, Dr. Scharf will use a laser tool to remove overgrown tissue and cauterize the new gum line. Laser procedures are less invasive than scalpel procedures in which the periodontist uses a hand-held scalpel to remove the excess tissue and re-shape the gums.
Both treatments work well to eliminate extra gum tissue and allow the natural teeth to shine through, resulting in a brand-new smile and increased confidence.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening procedures are often recommended for patients with extra gum tissue and damaged teeth. Since this treatment involves the underlying bone structure, it’s considered more invasive than standard gummy smile treatments.
The first thing Dr. Scharf will do during a crown lengthening treatment is administer anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and numb throughout the procedure. Once you’re fully numb, Dr. Scharf will use a scalpel to create a small “flap” of gum tissue that exposes the underlying tooth and bone. This helps him determine how much gum tissue needs to be removed and provides easy access to the affected tooth.
Depending on the condition of your underlying tooth and bone, Dr. Scharf may re-shape the bone or treat and repair damage or decay. The length of healing time will vary depending on your specific treatment, with the end result being a fresh, new smile.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Perio Procedure Today
Dr. Scharf has helped thousands of patients achieve their dream smiles and significantly improve their dental health through cosmetic perio procedures such as pinhole gum surgery, gum depigmentation, gummy smile treatments, and crown lengthening. Often referred to as the best periodontist in Long Island, Dr. Sharp is known for both his talent and his calm, caring approach.
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Scharf and the types of periodontal treatments he offers, contact the office today and schedule a consultation.