Gum Surgery

Gummy Smile Correction (gingivectomy)  

A gummy smile is when you smile and too much gum tissue shows above the top teeth. There are several treatments to treat gummy smiles.

  • Gingivectomy

    This procedure reshapes your excess gums to expose the natural shape of your teeth. It creates a nice balance between the gums, which are shortened, and the teeth, which are lengthened.

  • Lip repositioning

    This procedure addresses a gummy smile caused by either a short or hypermobile upper lip that exposes too much gum when you smile. It is a simple and safe procedure that restricts the pull of the muscles in your upper lip.

  • Crown lengthening

    In this procedure, your excess gum tissue and the underlying bone are cut and reshaped to expose the full length of your teeth.

  • Orthognathic surgery

    This is a more intensive procedure that tackles a gummy smile that is caused by an excessively long upper jaw (as compared to the bottom part of the skull). During the procedure, the upper jaw is re-contoured to the proper shape and then secured into a new position that reduces the amount of gumminess in your smile.

  • Botox

    This is the least invasive and most short-term way of dealing with a gummy smile. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing some of the muscles so that they don’t drastically raise your upper lip. While this is a cheaper and faster fix than surgery, the results typically only last a few months — Botox needs to be repeated frequently for any long-term results. However, if you are considering eventual lip repositioning for a gummy smile, Botox can be a great way to test out what you will look like before undergoing surgery.

Pre Orthodontic Periodontal Augmentation (POPA)

With Pre-Orthodontic Periodontal Augmentation (POPA), For adult orthodontic patients who are deterred by the thought of spending months or years in braces, this speedier option is particularly attractive and can enjoy a newly straightened smile in as few as 3-8 months.. It’s also an appealing option for teenage patients who often look forward to completing their orthodontic treatment as soon as possible.
 Pre-Orthodontic Periodontal Augmentation (POPA) is considered a “fast track” method for repositioning the teeth because the technique effectively alters the structure of the surrounding bone for a more rapid result. Traditionally, orthodontic treatment has been performed by simply applying steady force to the teeth. Accelerated orthodontics enables the periodontist to promote faster movement by also altering the bone.

Gum grafting (for thin gums)

Gum grafting is a relatively common option for improving the function and appearance of teeth. It is also useful in addressing a number of dental conditions such as receding gum line, thin gum tissue, excessive tooth sensitivity and tooth abrasion. 
In many gum grafting procedures our periodontist will take some of the patient’s own tissue for the graft. This tissue is usually taken from the roof of the mouth. A very thin piece is removed and carefully placed onto the area where the gums have receded. It is then carefully attached there with fine sutures or special tissue glue.

Love your smile.