Naples Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
-Since 1977-
(239) 261-1401
Cosmetic Procedures
Soft Tissue Grafts
Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession, and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. Exposed tooth roots can be the result of gum recession.
Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you’re not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids. Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing, behaviors such as teeth grinding or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment Dr. Gay will help you identify the factors contributing to the problem.
Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss. Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue which is absent.
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 the esthetics of your smile.
A Few Words From Dr. Gay
I consider myself privileged to not only do what I love but also to improve the health of my patients.
If you have any concerns about your oral health please do not hesitate to contact my office. Treating periodontal disease starts with you.
Thanks very much for visiting our website.
- Dr. Denise Gay
Soft tissue graft before and after treatment
Functional Crown Lengthening
Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the health and esthetics of your smile.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that recontours the gum tissue and often the underlying bone surrounding one or more teeth so that an adequate amount of healthy tooth is exposed. Crown lengthening is often performed in conjunction with crown fabrication. This procedure provides the necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, preventing the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone.
Functional crown lengthening is an important part of an integrated effort to optimize your health, appearance, comfort and function. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health are your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line.
You may have a gummy smile because your teeth appear short. Your teeth may actually be the proper length, but they are covered with too much gum tissue. To correct this, Dr. Gay will perform a procedure referred to as aesthetic crown lengthening. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.
Crown lengthening may be recommended to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. Perhaps your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
Whether you have crown lengthening to improve aesthetics or function, patients often receive the benefits of both. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
Indentations In the Gums and Jawbone
Sometimes when you lose one or more teeth, you can get an indentation in your gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be. This happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not only is this indentation unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth.
Dr. Gay can fill in this defect with a procedure called ridge augmentation, recapturing the natural contour of your gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created that is natural looking, easy to clean and beautiful.