Patients with a low gum line often feel self-conscious about their smiles. Gummy smiles are a result of a visual imbalance between the tooth structure and the gum line. Knoxville, TN periodontist Dr. Robert Cain offers periodontal plastic surgery and tissue subtractive procedures to restore the balance of your teeth and gums for a beautiful and confident smile.
While periodontal surgery can improve the aesthetics of your smile, it may also enable your dentist to perform needed dental restorations. For patients with gummy smiles, it can be difficult to restore a damaged or decayed tooth due to insufficient tooth structure. Periodontal plastic surgery removes excess tissue and provides access to the tooth for treatment.
Comprehensive Periodontal Treatment Planning
Periodontist Dr. Robert Cain has been providing personalized and comprehensive periodontal therapy to patients in the Knoxville, TN area for over 20 years. His experience and advanced education in the field of periodontal therapy and periodontal plastic surgery make him uniquely qualified to provide natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Dr. Cain provides state-of-the-art periodontal treatments in Knoxville, TN. Before any procedure, Dr. Cain will perform a thorough oral health exam and build a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to meet your personal oral health and cosmetic goals. Dr. Cain will take the time to explain each needed periodontal treatment and how it will benefit you.
Tissue Subtractive Procedures
Dental Crown Lengthening
Dental crown lengthening is ideal for patients who have teeth that are the appropriate size but are covered with excess gum tissue. The dental crown lengthening procedure removes and reshapes the gum line exposing more of the natural tooth. Dr. Cain will use strategic planning through the use of models and molds of your teeth to ensure a natural and predictable result.
The dentist performs the procedure on one, or all of your teeth depending on your cosmetic goals and your oral health. During treatment, Dr. Cain will provide sedation dentistry so you may feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment. The dentist makes mall incisions around the gum tissue and teeth.
Dr. Robert Cain then uses a special tool to gently push the gum line back to expose the tooth crown. Patients generally heal quickly from the crown lengthening sutures and results are immediate. Dr. Cain is highly experienced in the crown lengthening procedure and provides constant and natural-looking results.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a procedure used to remove excess tissue covering the tooth surface. This tissue build-up is also commonly referred to as gingival hyperplasia. Orthodontic appliances, certain medications, and genetics can all cause gingival hyperplasia.
Dr. Cain performs the gingivectomy procedure using noninvasive lasers. Gingivectomy does not require the use of sutures and the process requires minimal downtime and is generally pain-free. Patients who have hyperplasia as a result of an orthodontic appliance are ideal candidates for the gingivectomy procedure.
Gummy Smile FAQs
How long does it take to fix a gummy smile?
The full process of fixing a gummy smile, including healing, takes about 6-12 weeks.
What causes a gummy smile?
Gummy smiles are caused by excess gum tissue in a patient’s mouth. The extra tissue has nowhere to go but to cover the surface of teeth. This gives patients a gummy smile.
How do you get rid of a gummy smile with Botox?
Patients can correct a smile with Botox. The dentist injects Botox into the upper lip. This relaxes muscles allowing your upper lip to cover more of your gums.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and gums due to a gummy smile, contact Knoxville, TN periodontist Dr. Cain. Our dental care team can help restore the balance and aesthetics of your smile so you can enjoy years of healthy and happy smiles. You can contact our office or request an appointment online.
