Surgical

What is gum recession?

Gum recession is the loss of tissue along your gum line. This is a common symptom of periodontal disease. It can also be linked to the natural aging process, or abrasive brushing and flossing habits.

Common signs of gum recession are tooth sensitivity and pain, teeth that look longer than they used to, and loose teeth. Left untreated, the ultimate result can be tooth loss.

 

Gum recession is very treatable. Mild cases of gum recession can often be treated by a professional deep cleaning. For more advanced cases, high-tech surgical or non surgical procedures will restore your gums and health.


Gum surgery

In some situations scaling and root planing will not arrest gum infection. In those circumstances we may advise you to treat affected teeth with gum surgery. It should rather be called ‘microsurgery’ as it often involves only one or two teeth. Under the eye control we can further clean infected roots, remove any surface unevenness and smooth surrounding bone. All is done with anaesthesia and our patients report quick recovery.

 

  • Crown lengthening: Where teeth did not fully erupt or they are worn down, this procedure allows for improved exposure. Surrounding gum or gum and bone are removed, which makes treated teeth longer. It is either done for cosmetic reasons (improved crown length to gum ratio is more pleasing) or when teeth need a crown work.
  • Root coverage procedures: Where the gum recession causes cosmetic concern or exposed roots are very sensitive, cosmetic surgery may be used to reverse the damage. Surrounding gum is either repositioned or gum graft applied in order to cover exposed roots. Results can be very rewarding.
  • Connective tissue and free gingival grafting: These techniques are used to augment missing gum. Gum tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and applied where it is missing. Because graft is patient’s own, healing is very quick.

  • Frenectomy: this procedure is used where frenum (gum string) is too strong and causes damage by pulling the gum away. It is a useful procedure for patients with gaps between front teeth before they have braces.
  • Site development: Before the bridge or an implant is placed, missing bone and gum can be regrown by simultaneous application of guided bone and tissue regeneration techniques. Regenerated gum and bone allow proper implant placement and stop food impaction under the bridge.