Advanced Bone Augmentations
July 28, 2024
Specialist Gum Recessions Corrections
July 30, 2024Specialist Gummy Smile Corrections
Gummy smile is a term loosely coined to describe a situation where there is an excess amount of gums seen when smiling or when not even smiling. This is not necessarily a disease or debilitating condition but in some individuals, it might be an aesthetic issue and source of distress.
Treatment of gummy smile is varied and ranges from simple and quick excision of excess gums with laser, cautery or blade or more complex procedures termed aesthetic and functioning crown lengthening where bone removal is also involved. It can also sometimes be done in conjunction with braces and mini-implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my first visit of gummy smile consultation?
Our specialist periodontist will first get to know you and understand your concerns and expectations. He will then perform a detailed periodontal assessment and examination. He will need to take focused and current xray(s) to better diagnose and prognose. He will then discuss with you about the condition you are having, options moving forward and also the different phases of proposed treatments and costs. You are able to ask him the doubts and questions you might have. We spend over an hour on these visits.
When is laser/ cautery/ blade excision done?
This method of treatment is done when your tooth seen in the mouth is small and a large part of it is still embedded under the gums.
When is bone removal also done?
This method of treatment is done when there are either extra bone structures in your jaw which causes “lip trap” or if the distance between your desired gum margin and underlying bone is too short. This is done to increase aesthetics and more importantly, stability of the finished treatment.
Is the treatment painful?
We place good topical anaesthetic gel before giving the local anaesthesia and are consciously gentle throughout. There will still be a small “pinch” while local anaesthesia is placed but once the anaesthesia has started working, the procedures should be relatively pain-free. The experience differs from person to person but our specialists and dentists will advise you prior and are conscious of any changes or cues you give during the procedure. Post-operatively, you might experience a down-time (slight pain and swelling) for 3-5 days. Pain is usually well controlled with the painkillers and anti-inflammatories we prescribe after.
Do I need this treatment?
This is not a disease or pathology hence it is an elective procedure and not absolutely necessary. In some situations, it can also be corrected with braces and mini-implants. Some patients opt to undergo smile makeovers or rehabilitations too after with veneers.
Is this stable?
When the main cause is identified and diagnosed accurately and type of correction technique is carried out well, the long-term stability post-correction is good. There is always a chance of some gum “rebound” which can be refined easily.
What post-operative care is needed?
The first 24 hours involve care to prevent over-bleeding. We advise that you avoid hot food and drinks, rigorous rinsing and gargling, straws and sucking actions for the first 24 hours to prevent over-bleeding or reactivation of bleeding. You will need to be on a soft diet, avoid strenuous exercises for the next 3-7 days. We also recommend that you complete the dose of anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (when necessary) and antiseptics which we prescribe. You will need to resist the urge of touching the surgical site with your tongue, finger or any other objects during the healing period.
