Gum & Bone Corrective Treatments

There are many reasons why the gums and underlying bone may require corrective treatment, including periodontal disease, trauma and genetic defects. Periodontal procedures effectively correct cosmetic problems and restore natural beauty to the smile.

Here are some of the most common gum and jawbone corrective treatments:

Common Gum Treatments

• Crown lengthening (gum lift) – Crown lengthening is usually performed to correct a “gummy” smile, or to expose more of the tooth prior to a restorative surgery. In some cases, the teeth look short and square bein partly covered by gum tissue due to genetics or gingivitis. Excess gum tissue can be removed to reshape the outline of the gums, expose the natural tooth length, and provide a fuller, more attractive smile. The same procedure is also an excellent way to create a more aesthetic gum line for dental crowns and other restorative procedures.
  
  
• Gingival (gum) grafts – Gingival grafts restore symmetry and blood supply to the gum line after periodontal disease has been treated. Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede; making the smile look overly “toothy.” During a gingival graft, a thin strip of tissue is removed from the palate and stitched in place over the recession site. 
  
  
• Pocket reduction surgery – The aim of pocket reduction surgery is to clean the root surfaces of the teeth subgingivally (beneath the gum line). During this procedure, tartar, plaque and bacteria are removed. The gum is first gently separated away from the tooth, and then the calculus (tartar) and plaque are removed using special ultrasonic and hand instruments. An antimicrobial liquid may be administered to the area to eliminate bacteria and ensure the pockets are given the chance to naturally heal. Pocket reduction surgery is an effective way to restore health to the gums and bone.

Common Bone Treatments

• Sinus augmentation – This procedure is usually performed prior to the placement of dental implants, to ensure that the prosthetic teeth are both functional and firmly affixed to the bone. The success of an implant hinges on the quantity and quality of the bone underneath the gums to which it will be attached. If the bone has receded or been injured, a sinus augmentation can slightly elevate the sinus floor to allow new bone to form. Generally, a small incision is made in the bone and the underlying space is packed with bone grafting material. The incision is sutured shut, and the implant will be placed when healing has occurred.
  
  
• Ridge modification – Ridge modification procedures are used to treat deformities in the bone which have occurred due to periodontal disease, trauma or genetic defects. Genetic defects, particularly, can leave an indentation in the bone, which makes placing dental implants difficult. During the ridge modification procedure, the gum is gently pulled away from the underlying bone to fully expose the defect. The defect is filled with bone graft material or a similar synthetic product and then sutured closed. When healing occurs, implants can be successfully placed where necessary.
  
  
• Bone grafts – There are a wide variety of reasons why bone grafting may be necessary. Bone grafting thickens the existing subgingival bone to allow for the successful placement of implant anchors. Bone grafts can also help elevate the sinus floor, fill craters or deformities in the bone itself, or allow for successful nerve repositioning. The grafting material may be harvested from the lower jaw, the iliac section of the pelvis, synthetically created, or come from a cadaver.  In most cases, a small opening is made in the subgingival bone and packed with the grafting material. Sutures are placed and restorative treatments are performed when healing is complete.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Gum or Jawbone corrective treatments please ask your dentist.