There are a variety of cosmetic procedures for the gums, from replacing missing teeth to improving short teeth and correcting gum recession.

If you are concerned because your teeth appear short, you may be a candidate for esthetic crown lengthening.  Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length but covered with too much gum tissue.  We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure known as esthetic crown lengthening. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to more than one tooth, to even your gum line, and to create a beautiful smile.

Another cosmetic procedure is the soft tissue graft. It is used to cover unattractive tooth roots, reduce gum recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual loss.  Longer teeth due to gum recession are associated with advanced age (“long in the tooth.”).  Covering your exposed tooth roots can make you look more youthful and provide you with a more attractive smile.

Missing teeth can be unattractive for a variety of reasons.  Tooth loss causes the jaw bone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, and lack of facial support can suggest  general aging.   Bone grafting following tooth loss can preserve the socket/ridge and minimize gum and bone collapse. There is less shrinkage and a more aesthetic tooth replacement remains an option for you.