Gummy Smile

Gum Reconstruction

A beautiful smile shows most of the 8-10 upper teeth with almost no gum above the two front teeth. A smile is considered a “gummy smile” if a significant amount of gingival tissue (gums) can be seen as a person smiles.

Although a gummy smile is considered a normal variation of human anatomy, many people with gummy smiles are very self-conscious when smiling. Fortunately, these smiles can be corrected with simple periodontal surgery procedures. We can safely modify the position and shape of this gum so that more of your natural enamel and less gum shows when you smile.

Soft Tissue Grafts

Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. You may wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you’re not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.

Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but, prior to treatment, we can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, gum tissue is taken from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

Whether you have soft tissue grafts to improve function or aesthetics, you will receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.