What is tissue re-sculpting?

Tissue re-sculpting is also known as surgical crown lengthening or as a gum-lift procedure. If your gum line is uneven or you feel that you have an excessively gummy smile, you should consider a gum lift.

The length of the crown of the tooth is increased by removing a thin section of the gums. Sometimes misaligned teeth can cause the gum line to become irregular. In such cases, tissue re-sculpting can help produce an even gum line and greatly improve your smile. Sometimes a tooth that needs a crown or a filling may not have sufficient tooth structure above the gums for a restoration, or decay may extend deep beneath the gum line. In such cases, a gum lift is advised to enable a proper restoration.

The procedure commonly starts with numbing of the gums. The amount of time it takes varies depending on the number of teeth that require treatment. Incisions are placed on the gums to remove the excess gum tissue. These incisions further help in relocating the gums from their original position. Following this, your cosmetic dentist or periodontist in Plano will surgically reshape the remaining tissue so that it achieves an even, symmetrical gum line.

Bone beneath the gums may need to be reshaped if there is bone loss following severe gum disease. Normally some bone needs to be removed to achieve sufficient length to the tooth. The bone is removed using a combination of hand instruments and rotary instruments. Bone removal allows more of the tooth structure to be exposed.

If only soft tissue is removed, the procedure will take less time than if both soft tissue and bone are removed. Your teeth will look longer because your gums are now sitting at a lower level than they used to. Sutures are normally placed for at least 7-10 days after the procedure. Antibiotics and painkillers are prescribed. Dentists sometimes use a periodontal dressing to cover the surgical site.

Antiseptic mouth washes and proper oral hygiene using soft bristles must be observed to prevent inflammation to the area. Inflammation can delay healing and cause pain and swelling. Slight tenderness and pain in the area can be expected. Soft diet is usually advised for at least a couple of days after the surgery.

The gums can be removed using traditional scalpels, electrodes, or lasers. Dioxide lasers are used to perform soft tissue surgery in the oral cavity.

Tissue re-sculpting is also done along with veneers to provide symmetry to the gum line. This eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming orthodontic treatment when there is misalignment of only one tooth. Ask your cosmetic dentist in Plano for more details