Treatment of gummy smile

An appealing smile is characterized by a predominance of the enamel colour over the gum colour.

Different reasons might reverse the relation, and then we can see little enamel while a lot of gum is exposed. This is called a “gummy smile” and short teeth, where actually the gum covers excessively part of the enamel of the teeth. It is especially common among young patients who have finished their orthodontic treatment.

When there is too much gum tissue covering the enamel, the treatment (gingivectomy) restores the original size of the teeth and highlights the value of the enamel in the smile. It is a very easy method performed under local anaesthesia, quick and painless. Analgesics are seldom required and stitches are used only occasionally.

Results are immediate, and patients can enjoy a more aesthetic smile on the very visit.

Gummy smile treatments are performed by Dr. David González, Periodontics Specialist (gum specialist).

How can I recover my lost teeth thanks to Periodontics?

Regarding missing teeth, nowadays the definitive solution is dental implants. However, it should not be forgotten that, as long as it is viable, the best choice is preserving the own patient’s teeth. With an appropriate periodontal treatment, teeth which are apparently lost can be preserved.

Implants are an excellent choice in order to restore the missing teeth, but if the patients do not learn to eradicate the pathogenic bacteria and take care of their mouth, they will not be exempt from peri-implantitis risk.

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics treats periodontal diseases, which are inflammatory conditions of infectious origin affecting the tissue surrounding and holding the teeth.

Gingivitis, one of the most common oral diseases, occurs when the inflammatory process only affects the surface of the gum. Generally, it is not painful and is characterized by reddening, swelling and bleeding of the gums, either during brushing or spontaneously. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis, commonly known as “pyorrhea”, occurs when the inflammation affects in depth the tissues surrounding and holding the teeth, giving rise to their progressive destruction (bone tissue is lost). Periodontitis appears mostly in adults aged 30 and over.

If not treated, the bone destruction brought about by the periodontitis might cause the teeth to move and separate. Over time, the teeth might well be lost, either because of the need of extraction due to their instability, or because they fall practically by themselves. Dr. David González is specialized in Periodontics.