Dr. Robert Cain is an experienced periodontist in Knoxville, TN. He provides personalized diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and its associated side effects. Our East Tennessee periodontal office provides a range of procedures for conservative treatment of gum health and aesthetic concerns. Dr. Cain can help address gum disease with periodontal surgery in Knoxville, TN.
Periodontal plastic surgery includes procedures to improve the look of the gum line. It can reshape and adjust the gums for a more balanced smile and a healthy foundation.
Periodontal Surgery in Knoxville, TN
Our techniques can treat a range of concerns that include:
- Add gum tissue around teeth
- Remove gum tissue
- Bring balance between the gum-to-tooth ratio
- Improve the appearance of the teeth and smile
Dr. Robert Cain will perform a thorough oral health exam to find the best treatment plan for your oral health concerns and cosmetic goals. Based on the health of your gums and teeth, Dr. Cain may recommend gum surgery to help restore your smile.
Two categories of periodontal plastic surgery procedures exist: tissue additive and tissue subtractive.
PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Frenectomy
- Osseous Surgery
- Pinhole Gum Surgery
- Sinus Lift Surgery
- Soft Tissue Allograft
- Soft Tissue Grafting
Patients may need one or more periodontal treatments to achieve optimal oral health.
TISSUE ADDITIVE PROCEDURES
These procedures add soft tissues to areas in the mouth where the gum tissues may have receded. Dr. Cain commonly uses two procedures to repair receding gums: subepithelial connective tissue grafts and soft tissue allografts.
Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts
These grafts add gingival tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. We transplant this tissue from a small incision in the roof of the patient’s mouth or palate. Then, we surgically implant the tissue in the area of the exposed root. This procedure is a two-step treatment.
Dr. Cain’s experience and skill set allow for natural and predictable results. He covers exposed tooth roots to minimize tooth pain and sensitivity and prevent future tooth loss of the affected tooth.
Soft Tissue Allografts
Soft tissue allografts can repair an exposed tooth root or reshape a receding gum line. We use sterile dermal tissue from human donors in a soft tissue allograft.
The benefits of soft tissue allografts are that patients only need one procedure and don’t have to graft their own tissue. Soft tissue allografts also let Dr. Cain repair more teeth at once, since he isn’t limited by the amount of tissue he can take from the platelet.
TISSUE SUBTRACTIVE PROCEDURES
We use tissue subtractive procedures to remove and reshape excess gum tissue, often called a “gummy smile.” The procedures can restore the balance and aesthetics of your teeth and gums. The two main tissue subtractive procedures we provide include:
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy removes excess tissue that covers the tooth surface. This tissue build-up is also commonly referred to as gingival hyperplasia. Orthodontic appliances, certain medications, and genetics can all cause this problem.
Dr. Cain performs the procedure with non-invasive lasers. The state-of-the-art technology can remove excess tissue and recontour the shape and thickness of the gum line. In most cases, we don’t need sutures.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
This treatment removes excess gum tissue from the tooth’s crown. Crown lengthening can restore the gum-to-tooth ratio for a more balanced and beautiful smile. Dr. Cain is highly experienced in the crown lengthening procedure. He provides consistent and natural-looking results.
Dr. Cain will measure the teeth and gum tissue to determine the ideal height and width of the teeth. He uses his artistic sensibility, carefully created models, and diagnostic waxing to build a beautiful and natural-looking smile. Dr. Cain will provide sedation dentistry so you feel relaxed and comfortable.
He will make small incisions around the gum tissue and teeth. Then, Dr. Cain uses a special tool to gently push the gum line back to expose the tooth crown. This treatment has minimal downtime and you can enjoy immediate results.
Periodontal Surgery FAQs
Learn more about periodontal surgery in Knoxville, TN, with answers to these patient questions:
How soon can I return to my regular diet after gum surgery?
After gum surgery, you should follow a soft food diet for 7 to 10 days to avoid irritating the surgical site. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as you heal. We will give you advice based on your situation. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods until your gums fully heal.
Will I need to take time off work for periodontal surgery?
Most patients take 1 to 3 days off work after gum surgery to rest and manage swelling or discomfort. If your job is physically demanding, you may need more recovery time. Dr. Cain will advise you based on the complexity of your procedure.
How long do the results of Pinhole Gum Surgery last?
With proper care, the results of Pinhole Gum Surgery can last for many years. For the best results:
- Continue to brush and floss every day
- Avoid aggressive brushing
- Treat risk factors like gum disease or teeth grinding
- Get regular dental check-ups
What materials are used for the bone graft in a Sinus Lift?
The materials for a sinus lift can include:
- Autografts (your own bone)
- Allografts (donor bone)
- Xenografts (animal-derived bone, often bovine)
- Synthetic materials
The choice depends on your needs and the dentist’s recommendations. These materials encourage new bone growth to support dental implants.
Can osseous surgery reverse gum recession?
Osseous surgery does not reverse gum recession. However, it can treat gum disease because it reshapes and cleans the bone and tissue. You may need gum grafting to address gum recession. We will create a custom treatment plan for your needs.
What does the healing process look like after a frenectomy?
It can take 1 to 2 weeks to heal. You may feel mild swelling or discomfort, which you can treat with over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater rinses. The gums and surrounding tissues heal quickly. It will restore your normal function soon after the procedure.
Does gum surgery hurt?
Gum surgery is not painful because we use local anesthesia to numb the area. This means you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or movement, but it won’t hurt.
After the surgery, you may feel some discomfort as the numbness wears off. We will recommend over-the-counter pain medication to help.
In most cases, the pain from gum surgery is mild and goes away within a few days. If you follow our dentist’s aftercare instructions, you will heal comfortably.
How can I prepare for my gum surgery?
You can prepare for surgery in multiple ways. Before your surgery, talk to Dr. Cain about the procedure. He will explain what will happen and answer your questions. Let him know if you have allergies or health conditions or take any medications.
Dr. Cain will give you specific instructions before the surgery. Be sure to follow them carefully.
If you are given sedation or anesthesia, you may feel sleepy afterward. Have someone drive you to and from the appointment. You must eat soft foods after surgery, like yogurt or soup. Prepare or buy these foods ahead of time. Dr. Cain may also tell you to take pain medication before surgery to help reduce discomfort.
Treat Your Gums
Get high-quality gum treatment in our office. Call Dr. Robert Cain at (865) 276-7173 or request an appointment with him online. If you have more questions, please let us know. We’re here to help.
