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• What is a Periodontist?
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Periodontal Cosmetic Surgery

If you're not happy with your smile, there are cosmetic periodontal and dental procedures available now that could help you achieve the look and smile you want.

Do you have a "gummy smile"? Are your teeth too long? Periodontists today can help you reshape your gumline to expose your ideal smile. In addition, they can work with your dentist to create the foundation for beautiful crowns, veneers, etc. to be constructed on your front teeth.

Gummy smile or uneven gumlines:

If you feel that your teeth are too short and your smile is too "gummy" or that your gumline is uneven, covering too much of some teeth, while leaving others the right length, a simple cosmetic treatment might be just right for you.

Crown lengthening and gingivectomy procedures remove the excess gum tissue to expose more of the visible "crown" of the tooth.

Long teeth or exposed roots:

Soft tissue grafts and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots, to reduce the chance for further gum recession, and to protect your vulnerable roots from decay. (See Surgical Therapy page).

Missing teeth:

Dental implants are replacement teeth that feel and look just like your own. An artificial tooth root made of titanium is placed into your jaw, and after a healing period, an artificial tooth is attached to the post. Dental implants can be more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since neighboring teeth do not have to be ground down to support the replacement. Dr. Layport does not place implants currently, but works closely with several excellent surgeons who do.

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. Your periodontist can fill in this "defect" with a procedure called ridge augmentation. A new tooth can then be created that is natural looking, easy to clean and beautiful.