Periodontal Plastic Surgery in Middlebury, VT

If you have a high gum line, your teeth may appear very large; conversely, if you have a low gumline, your teeth may look small. At Lincoln Peak Dental, we offer periodontal plastic surgery to contour and graft the gums to achieve a normal, even, healthy appearance to the smile. Periodontal plastic surgery can be used for cosmetic reasons or to repair damage from periodontal disease. Dentist Dr. Brian Saltzman has years of periodontal experience and can use a blend of expertise and artistry to help you create a beautiful gumline. For more information, contact our office in Middlebury, VT

If you have advanced periodontal (gum) disease, Dr. Saltzman may suggest performing periodontal plastic surgery to cover up exposed tooth roots. Periodontal plastic surgery may also be performed if you experience one of the below:

• Excess gum tissue, causing a "gummy" smile
• Uneven gumline, causing an asymmetrical smile
• Low gumline, causing teeth to appear too small
• High gumline, causing teeth to appear too large

During a routine exam or at any other time you choose, Dr. Saltzman can assess your gumline and let you know if he thinks you'd be a good fit for periodontal plastic surgery.

If you've decided to enhance your smile or restore your gum health, periodontal plastic surgery may be performed. If you have an uneven gumline or excess gum tissue, we will work to remove necessary gum tissue, then sculpt your gumline for a natural, even appearance. If you have a gumline that is high, we can perform a gum graft to lower your gumline, protect your roots from decay, and help your teeth appear a more appropriate length. If you experience gaps in your gum, often caused by tooth loss, we can address this with a ridge augmentation and dental implant. We will use local anesthesia to help you remain comfortable during your surgery, and sedation options may be available to help you remain calm if you have excessive dental nerves. The length of your procedure will depend on the condition of your gums, but could take somewhere around two hours. Dr. Saltzman will make sure you know what to expect before and after your surgery based on your particular needs.

After your periodontal plastic surgery, you will likely experience some discomfort and swelling. Gum contouring often only takes about a day or so for recovery and you'll need to eat soft foods for a few days following treatment. Gum grafting could take closer to a week for recovery; we may suggest limiting your activity as well as food intake during this period to prevent your stitches from opening. If necessary, we may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to help the recovery process.

Periodontal plastic surgery may be covered in part depending on the reason for the surgery. Someone from our team will happily reach out to your dental insurance company to better understand your coverage and determine your out-of-pocket costs. At Lincoln Peak Dental, we believe it is vital to get high-quality dental care, and we want to make that as easy for you as possible — please feel free to ask about the payment methods we take and if you are interested in low-interest medical financing.

Periodontal plastic surgery is performed at Lincoln Peak Dental to restore form and function to the gums of our Middlebury, VT patients. Whether addressing a gummy smile, an uneven gumline, or gum disease, dentist Dr. Brian Saltzman can help restore the function of your teeth and gums while crafting a stunning smile. For more information on periodontal plastic surgery, call our office to schedule a consultation today.