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Writer's pictureLeande Kotze

Fixing a gummy smile

Hello and welcome to my blog! I'm Dr. L Kotze, a Periodontist and Oral Medicine specialist. In today's post, I'll be discussing how a gummy smile can be fixed with the help of periodontal and oral medicine treatments.


A gummy smile is a condition where excessive gum tissue is visible when a person smiles, making their teeth appear smaller than they actually are. While a gummy smile is not necessarily a serious medical condition, it can affect a person's confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are many ways to address this issue and give people the smile they deserve.


Periodontal treatments for a gummy smile


Periodontal treatments involve the use of specialized dental techniques and technologies to address gum-related issues. In the case of a gummy smile, a periodontist can use a laser or traditional surgical techniques to remove excess gum tissue and sometimes bone and expose more of the teeth. This procedure is known as crown lengthening, and it can be performed on one or more teeth as needed.


During the procedure, the periodontist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before making small incisions in the gum tissue. They will then remove the excess tissue and reshape the gum line and bone to expose more of the tooth. Once the procedure is complete, the patient will need to follow a strict oral hygiene routine to ensure proper healing.


Botulinum toxin injections may also be used to weaken the muscles responsible for elevating the upper lip. This can help reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when a person smiles. Toxin injections for a gummy smile are a quick and simple procedure that involves injecting small amounts of the medication into the muscles above the upper lip. The effects of the treatment typically last for several months, after which the patient will need to return for a follow-up appointment.


Combining periodontal and botulinum toxin injection treatments


In some cases, a combination of periodontal and botulinum toxin injection treatments may be necessary to address a gummy smile. This is normally done when only one treatment technique is insufficient for obtaining optimal results. For example, a periodontist may perform crown lengthening on one or more teeth, together with toxin injections to help further reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when a person smiles.


Oral medicine treatments for a gummy smile


Oral medicine specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the mouth and surrounding structures. In the case of a gummy smile, an oral medicine specialist will inquire about a family history as well as medications used that may predispose and contribute to enlarged gum tissue. Surgical treatment, as mentioned above and collaboration with your medical doctor is usually the treatment of choice.


If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile and would like to explore your options for fixing a gummy smile, schedule a consultation with a periodontist and oral medicine specialist. They can evaluate your specific case and recommend the best course of treatment to give you the confident, beautiful smile you deserve.


I hope you found this post informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading!



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