Overgrowth of gingival tissue can usually be corrected by gum contouring, sometimes called cosmetic gingival readjustment. Your dentist, oral surgeon, or periodontal physician will use a local anesthetic and a laser or scalpel to create a new, more uniform gum line. Because the space between the gums and the teeth is shallow and easier to clean, the reshaped gums are usually healthier. Healing after surgery is usually calm and may take several weeks.
If the simple outline is not enough, your periodontal physician may lengthen the crown. During this process, some of the gums and some of the underlying bone are removed to change the anatomy of the tooth itself. Since this procedure involves changing the bone and usually requires suturing, the recovery is usually longer.
The treatment of gingival recession can usually be performed by transplanting the patient's own gum tissue from a nearby tooth or part of the upper jaw. Some surgeons also use highly processed, sterile donor tissue. According to the American Society of Periodontology, apart from improving your smile, the coverage of chewing gum is also increasing, which can protect your teeth from tooth decay. The surgical site from a gum graft usually takes about six weeks to heal.
A more disturbing situation is bone loss associated with periodontal disease. Remember to clean your gums just like cleaning your teeth to prevent serious problems.
