Have you ever thought that you show a lot of your gums when you smile? It is just a fact of life that some people may have more gum covering more of their teeth than other people. If you want to show more of your teeth or are preparing for a restorative dental procedure with your periodontist in Houston, TX, you may benefit from periodontal plastic surgery.

What Is Periodontal Plastic Surgery?

Periodontal plastic surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can be used to lengthen the visible crown of the tooth in preparation for other restorative dentistry or to enhance the appearance of the teeth. It is a way to lift the gums and can be done on a single tooth or on all the teeth as necessary. In addition to having cosmetic benefits, this procedure can also help to reduce pockets in the gums around the teeth that may trap bacteria that can cause gum disease.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery Expectations

Houston, TX periodontist, Dr. J. Robert Friedberg will first prepare the area by numbing it with a local anesthetic. Once this takes effect, he will make some small incisions and separate the gum from the teeth in the required areas. Some procedures may also require the removal of a small amount of bone. Once complete, Dr. Friedberg will clean the treated area and place any necessary sutures. You should also have a follow-up visit two weeks after treatment.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery Benefits

Some patients are bound to be happy with showing off more of their teeth, essentially giving them a perfect smile. In this case, the surgery is more cosmetic in nature. However, some patients will also benefit from a functional crown lengthening. This is when the surgery is done in preparation to place a bridge or crown. In either case, periodontal plastic surgery helps to give the patient a healthier smile.

Where You Can Learn More
Dr. Friedberg can assess your needs and determine if you are a good candidate for periodontal plastic surgery in Houston, TX. To learn more, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.