Options to Achieve and Restore Gums that Support a Healthy, Stunning Smile

Your gums surround, support, and protect your teeth. They also serve a cosmetic purpose; gummy tissues “frame” the teeth. When they appear out of proportion with your teeth and the rest of your smile, it can throw off attractive balance and overall esthetics. It is no wonder we at Royal Dental Practice in West Hills Los Angeles, California, offer a range of periodontal surgery and treatment options. These services are popular, and our dentist, Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian, has had plenty of experience refining her considerable skill and expertise with these procedures.

The Problem: Receding Gums

Receding gums or gum recession can occur as a result of gum disease. It is characterized by gums that retreat or pull away from the teeth. If periodontal disease is not treated, spaces or pockets form between the teeth and the gums. These pockets only grow larger as the disease progresses and worsens. More of each tooth’s surface area is exposed, and the structural integrity of the teeth is threatened. Additionally, this process can also have devastating consequences for the appearance of your smile. As gums recede, your smile may look “long in the tooth.” Obviously, your tooth is not growing; more of the tooth is being revealed as the gums pull away.

Receding gums are not always indicative of gum disease. Hormonal changes, aging, and behaviors such as aggressive brushing can all lead to gum recession.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Shoffet may recommend gingivectomy to precisely remove diseased or damaged tissue. In doing so, we eradicate bacteria and other disease-causing substances and encourage healthy healing and reattachment of the gums. Grafting may be necessary to build up gums that have receded naturally or had to be removed due to gum disease. We transfer tissue from one part of the mouth to the recessed area. In doing so, we protect the teeth and have the added cosmetic benefit of enhancing the appearance of your gums and smile.

The Problem: A “Gummy” Smile

Some patients may have the opposite problem. Their gums may appear to “overwhelm” their teeth and the rest of their smile. In these cases, we may recommend gingivoplasty (or “gum contouring”) to achieve a more balanced and esthetically pleasing smile. As with receding gums, gum overgrowth or hyperplasia may be due to various factors, not limited to gum inflammation. The technique and procedure we use depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Crown lengthening is another alternative for patients with gingival hyperplasia. 

We won’t know the best option to enhance your smile and, as needed, your oral health until after we examine your mouth. Call (818) 334-6655 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Shoffet at our West Hills Los Angeles, California office, or let us come to you! We offer convenient mobile dentistry (yes, we make house calls!) for some services.

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