Gum Grafting

Tooth roots can be exposed due to receding gums (gum recession). This condition can result from causes such as overly heavy tooth-brushing, bruxism and periodontal diseases. As a result, teeth can look long and project an ageing appearance. There may be tooth sensitivity and you will not be able to enjoy some of your favourite foods. The exposed roots are also susceptible to decay and root canal infections.

Gum Grafting procedures are developed to cover exposed tooth roots, thicken and strengthen the gums to help reduce further gum recession as well as protect the vulnerable roots from decay. Gum grafting surgery will repair the defect to even your gum line and may also reduce sensitivity.

During gum graft surgery, our periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another area in the mouth to cover the exposed root. There are also other synthetic sources of gum graft available commercially. Root coverage can be done for a single tooth or several teeth.

After gum grafting, the exposed and vulnerable tooth roots are covered by transplanted gum tissue harvested from another area of the mouth. As a result, the benefits are:

1. Further recession and bone loss are prevented.
2. The chance of painful root decay and tooth sensitivity will be greatly reduced.
3. There would also be an improved cosmetic appearance.

What this means is, patients will receive the benefits of pain resolution, a beautiful new smile, improved periodontal health and improved overall general health! You will be able to smile, eat and speak with comfort and confidence.

Do you feel that your teeth look too short?

Do you find your smile looking too “gummy”?

A gummy smile can result from short teeth or that overgrown gums cover too much of some teeth while leaving others the right length.

To solve such a situation, dental crown lengthening may just be the solution for you. In this procedure, excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the crown (white portion) of the tooth. The gumline is further sculpted to give you the smile you have always desired. This can be done to a single tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.

In certain situations, our periodontist may also recommend a crown lengthening procedure to facilitate a restorative or esthetic dental procedure. The tooth / teeth may be decayed or fractured below the current gum line, or there is insufficient tooth volume to anchor a crown or bridge. Dental crown lengthening is then employed to adjust the gum and bone level to expose more tooth height and structure, so that the tooth can ultimately be restored optimally, resulting in a longer lasting restoration.