Gum Disease

Gum Disease (referred to as periodontitis, or periodontal disease) is a preventable condition measured in severity by the amount of bone loss around teeth caused by plaque and tartar build up under the gums.

Most are unaware they have periodontal disease because the symptoms are progressive and usually only evident as the disease becomes severe. Symptoms include, bad breath, loosening of the teeth, and lengthening of the gums (or receding gums).

Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, heart problems and low birth weight in offspring. We routinely screen for this disease by taking X-rays and measuring the pockets around your gums.

Gum Grafts

Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile.

When your mouth is healthy, your gums are snug against your teeth and the root doesn’t show. Unfortunately, in some cases the gums have pulled away from the tooth and some of the root surface is exposed. This apparent lengthening of the teeth can really age a person’s smile. If left uncorrected, the loss of protective gum tissue may also mean even more severe problems down the road.

Gum Lifts

Your gum line is just as important in creating a beautiful smile as your teeth. But sometimes the gums extend onto the front surfaces of the teeth creating a “gummy” smile or the appearance of small teeth. In these cases, gums can be raised by a procedure called a Gum Lift.

A Gum Lift involves the removal of a small amount of gum tissue around the teeth. Used in conjuntion with Veneers, this combination is an ideal way to create a beautiful fuller smile.