Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatment

Corrective treatments for the gums and jawbone address issues like gum disease, trauma, or birth defects, restoring the natural appearance and function of the mouth.

Common treatments include crown lengthening to correct a “gummy” smile, gum grafts to restore the gum line after recession, and pocket reduction surgery to clean and heal infected gum tissue. Jawbone treatments like sinus augmentation and ridge modification are often necessary to prepare for dental implants, ensuring the bone is strong and properly shaped for the procedure. These treatments aim to improve both the aesthetic and functional aspects of oral health.

New “cosmetic surgery” procedures in periodontics effectively correct cosmetic problems and restore natural beauty to the smile.

Common Gum Treatments:

  • Crown lengthening (gum lift): Used to correct a “gummy” smile or to expose more of the tooth before restorative surgery. Excess gum tissue is removed to reshape the gums, expose the natural tooth length, and provide a fuller, more attractive smile. This procedure is also excellent for creating a more aesthetic gumline for dental crowns and other restorative procedures.
  • Gum grafts: Typically performed to correct a crooked smile or restore symmetry to the gumline after periodontal disease has been treated. A thin strip of tissue is removed from the palate and stitched in place over the recession site, re-contouring the gumline for a more pleasing appearance.
  • Pocket reduction surgery: Aims to clean the root surfaces of teeth beneath the gumline. Tartar, plaque, and bacteria are removed, and an antimicrobial liquid may be applied to destroy bacteria and promote natural healing. This surgery effectively restores health to the gums and bone.

Common Jawbone Treatments:

  • Sinus augmentation: Performed before placing dental implants to ensure the implant is firmly anchored to the bone. If the jawbone has receded or been injured, a sinus augmentation can elevate the sinus floor, allowing new bone to form. The procedure involves making a small incision in the bone, packing the underlying space with grafting material, and suturing the incision closed.
  • Ridge modification: Treats jawbone deformities caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or birth defects. During the procedure, the gum is pulled away from the bone to expose the defect, which is then filled with bone graft material. Once healing occurs, the jaw’s appearance is improved, allowing for the successful placement of dental implants.
  • Bone grafts: Bone grafting thickens the jawbone to support implant anchors and can also help elevate the sinus floor, fill jawbone deformities, or enable nerve repositioning. The graft material may be harvested from the lower jaw, the pelvis, or created synthetically. The procedure involves making a small opening in the jawbone, packing it with bone graft material, and placing sutures. Restorative treatments are performed once healing is complete.