While people believe that dental surgery and visiting a periodontist are only for oral health reasons, there are also cosmetic benefits. For instance, people who struggle with too short or too long of a gum line, a periodontist have several different procedures available. While some of these issues are not life-threatening, people do not have to live with them. Instead of always disliking certain qualities about yourself when you look in the mirror, we can help you enhance your appearance.
Here are a few of the cosmetic procedures we offer:
Since each patient is unique, no procedure will be exactly the same as another. While it will follow the same protocol, there may be a few tweaks or changes for each individual patient. Fortunately, we will go over all the details before the procedure begins and answer any questions the patient may have. It is also important to understand what each procedure is and how it works. Here are a few of the common procedures that patients request on a regular basis:
Gum grafting
A gum graft surgery will help to lengthen the gums over the roots and exposed enamel of the tooth. As people age, there are multiple reasons for the gum line to recede. When this happens, the tooth faces exposure to a variety of bacteria and substances that can wear down the enamel. On top of that, people are not pleased by the appearance of longer teeth. A gum graft involves adding more gum tissue or stretching the tissue to cover more of the teeth.
Sinus augmentation
A sinus augmentation, also known as a sinus lift, is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts bone material into the sinus cavity above the roof of the mouth to lift up the sinus and help create a sturdier base for inserting dental implants. People who do not have enough bone to support dental implants will greatly benefit from this procedure. About four to nine months after the sinus augmentation, the patient will most likely be able to get the dental implants.
Dental Implants
Patients who are missing a tooth or teeth have multiple options for replacement. For instance, patients can replace the missing teeth with dentures or dental implants. While removable dentures are effective, they do not stimulate the jaw and can actually cause the face to sag inward near the missing tooth. The sagging can cause a change in appearance that many people dislike and therefore, seek something to change that.
Dental crown lengthening
Dental crown lengthening treats the opposite need of a gum graft by removing a bit of the gum in patients who feel their gum line is too low. Patients who feel they have a gummy smile or have more gums than teeth showing in a smile will benefit from this procedure. The periodontist will also sculpt the remaining gum line to ensure that it is the desired look.
Ridge augmentation
During a ridge augmentation surgery, the periodontist will attempt to recreate the outline of the gums and jaw following a tooth extraction. Since there is a chance of the gums and jaw altering alignment after a tooth extraction, people may dislike the appearance following the extraction.
As with most types of surgery, the first step is to contact us and schedule a consultation. During the consultation, we will review the patient’s medical history, current condition, reason for wanting/needing this surgery, any allergies and other pertinent information. After gathering this information, we will go over potential options with the patient.
Once we determine that the patient is healthy enough for the procedure and the patient approves of the procedure, we will schedule a time for it. In most cases, preparation for the surgery will be minimal. If there are any specific directions, the patient will receive instructions prior to the day. While there may be some soreness after the surgery, our team will help support the patient throughout the recovery process.
If the patient has any other issues with their oral health after the procedure, we will be available to help. We will also give the patient instructions to avoid damaging their teeth any further or reversing the results of the surgery. If you or a loved one can benefit from cosmetic periodontal surgery, give us a call. We will help you achieve your dream smile that is healthy, natural-looking and fully functional.
Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA is located at
3345 Burns Rd #203
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
33410.