An experienced periodontist in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Robert Cain provides comprehensive and personalized diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and its associated side effects. Our East Tennessee periodontal office provides a range of periodontal procedures for conservative treatment of gum health and aesthetic concerns.
Periodontal plastic surgery includes several procedures used to restore the appearance of the gum line cosmetically. It can reshape and recontour the gum line for a more aesthetically balanced smile that supports a healthy oral foundation.
Periodontal Surgery in Knoxville, TN
Periodontal plastic surgery techniques can treat a range of periodontal concerns, including:
- Add gum tissue around teeth
- Remove gum tissue
- Bring balance between the gum-to-tooth ratio
- Improve the appearance of the teeth and smile
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Dr. Robert Cain will provide a thorough oral health exam to determine the best treatment plan for your oral health concerns and cosmetic goals. Depending on the health of your gums and teeth, Dr. Cain may recommend a periodontal surgery option to help restore your smile.
There are two categories of periodontal plastic surgery procedures: 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
Tissue additive 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: Subepithelial 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. The tissue is then surgically implanted 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. Covering exposed tooth roots can help minimize tooth pain and sensitivity and prevent future tooth loss of the affected tooth.
Soft Tissue Allografts: Similar to the subepithelial connective tissue grafts, soft tissue allografts can repair an exposed tooth root or reshape a receding gum line. We use sterile dermal tissue derived from human donors in a soft tissue allograft.
The advantages of soft tissue allografts are that the patients only require one procedure and do not have to graft their tissue. Soft tissue allografts also allow for more teeth to be repaired at once, as Dr. Cain is not limited by the amount of tissue he can remove from the platelet.
TISSUE SUBTRACTIVE PROCEDURES
We use tissue subtractive procedures to remove and reshape excess gum tissue, often called a “gummy smile.” Tissue subtractive procedures can restore the balance and aesthetics of your teeth and gums. The two main tissue subtractive procedures are gingivectomy and esthetic crown lengthening.
Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy removes 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. 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, allowing for minimal downtime and optimal comfort.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening: Esthetic crown lengthening 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 and provides constant 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. Moreover, Dr. Cain will provide sedation dentistry so that you may feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment.
Small incisions are made around the gum tissue and teeth. Dr. Cain then uses a special tool to gently push the gum line back to expose the tooth crown. Downtime tends to be minimal, and patients can enjoy immediate results.
How soon can I return to my regular diet after gum surgery?
After gum surgery, you should follow a soft food diet for about 7 to 10 days to avoid irritating the surgical site. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as healing progresses. 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 periodontal surgery to rest and manage swelling or discomfort. If your job is physically demanding, you may need additional recovery time. Dr. Cain will advise you based on the complexity of your procedure.
How long do the results of Pinhole Gum Surgery last?
The results of Pinhole Gum Surgery can last for many years with proper care. Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding aggressive brushing, and addressing risk factors like gum disease or teeth grinding are crucial for long-term success. Regular dental check-ups help ensure the results are preserved.
What materials are used for the bone graft in a Sinus Lift?
Bone graft materials for a sinus lift can include autografts (your own bone), allografts (donor bone), xenografts (animal-derived bone, often bovine), or 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 but focuses on treating periodontal disease by reshaping and cleaning the underlying bone and tissue. To address gum recession specifically, additional procedures like gum grafting may be necessary. We will create a tailored treatment plan for your needs.
What does the healing process look like after a frenectomy?
After a frenectomy, healing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. You may experience mild swelling or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater rinses. Gums and surrounding tissues heal quickly, and normal function is restored soon after the procedure.
