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Cosmetic Gum Surgery - Costs and Information
What is Cosmetic Gum Surgery?
Cosmetic gum surgery is designed to help address issues of the appearance of the gum. Whether caused by gum disease or a natural excess of gum tissue, many people suffer from "gummy smiles," which appear to reduce the size of the teeth. Through surgical correction, this excess gum tissue can be stripped back and groomed to elongate the appearance of the teeth and clean up the appearance of the mouth. Alternately, this procedure can help to add gum tissue into areas where it is sparse.
How does Cosmetic Gum Surgery work?
When cosmetic gum surgery is utilized to correct excessive gum tissue, it generally either involves excision of the tissue with a knife or, in recent years, the use of laser treatments to isolate and eliminate specific tissue areas. Lasers are more expensive but provide a cleaner, less invasive adjustment.
For procedures that are designed to address insufficient gum tissue, the tissue typically has to be transplanted from another part of the mouth. These procedures are more involved and generally require a longer recuperation period.
Who is a candidate for Cosmetic Gum Surgery?
Virtually any person can undergo cosmetic gum surgery. However, most dentists and oral surgeons will be reluctant to perform these procedures on anyone whose teeth have not fully grown in. Therefore, children or adults whose teeth are still developing and changing are less likely to receive this type of treatment. In situations in which the costs and potential risks of cosmetic gum surgery may outweigh the benefits, an oral surgeon may advise against this procedure.
How is the surgery performed?
Cosmetic gum surgery typically requires a mild anesthesia in the localized area of the surgery. After the anesthesia takes effect, the knife or laser is used to cut out existing gum tissue that is covering the teeth. This tissue is then removed and the area is cauterized to prevent bleeding and scarring.
What is the recovery like?
The recovery for cosmetic gum surgery is dependent upon the size of the area that was affected. Generally, an oral surgeon will provide a special antiseptic mouthwash to be used two or three times per day for about two weeks after the surgery. This helps to ensure that infection does not take place. The patient may be required to limit his or her food and drink intake in certain ways while the tissue recovers.
What will the results be like?
A successful cosmetic gum surgery helps to clean up the appearance of the teeth to make them appear an appropriate size and shape. Successful surgeries will leave little to no trace of surgical action in the appearance of the mouth. They will also be free of infections and complicating side effects.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, there are risks of infection and blood clotting problems at the site of the procedure. With proper care during and after the operation, however, these risks are minimized.
Dentists in Beverly Hills, CA
Dr. Kevin B. Sands, D.D.S.
Dr. Kevin B. Sands specializes in cosmetic dentistry, taking pride in offering the finest in patient care and services to each and every patient. He is determined to give you the smile you deserve! In fact, some of the most beautiful smiles in Hollywood have come through our doors. Dr. Kevin B. Sands has trained with some of the worlds most prominent cosmetic dental specialists. He is rapidly becoming known Beverly Hills leading cosmetic dentist for people ...
