Crown lengthening, dental implants, root coverage, pocket depth reduction, and ridge augmentation are several periodontal plastic surgery procedures that can enhance smiles. Crown lengthening removes gum tissue to expose more tooth structure. Implants replace missing or damaged teeth. Root coverage grafts gum tissue to cover exposed roots. Pocket depth reduction eliminates deep pockets caused by gum disease. Ridge augmentation corrects bone loss to support dental implants or natural teeth. Combining procedures can result in an improved smile and periodontal health.

1. September 2010 Patient Page
from the American Academy
of Periodontology
Create a Beautiful Smile with Periodontal Plastic Surgery
A confident, beautiful smile is one of this procedure can cover exposed
the first things people notice about roots to protect them from decay or
your face. If you’re not happy with prepare your teeth for orthodontic
your smile, a periodontist can help! treatment. Your tooth sensitivity
Just as cosmetic surgery has been may be reduced as well, and your
helping people improve their smile may also improve!
appearance, several periodontal
plastic surgery procedures are Ridge Augmentation
available to help enhance the Ridge augmentation procedures are
aesthetics of your teeth and gums. used to correct irregularities in the
Here are some examples of popular jawbone where your natural teeth
procedures: are missing. They are also used to
prevent the jawbone from collapsing
Crown Lengthening after a tooth extraction, and help to Conscious Sedation:
Crown lengthening is a procedure to even out dental implants that may Anxiety Control to Put
remove excess gum tissue, exposing seem too long compared to the rest
more of the “crown” of the tooth. of your teeth.
Your Mind at Ease
This procedure is for patients who
Your dental professional may
feel their teeth are too short or their Pocket Depth Reduction
gum line is uneven. The gum line is Deep pockets caused by periodontal have recommended conscious
then sculpted to create the right disease can be corrected through sedation to ensure that you are
proportion between gum tissue and pocket depth reduction. This comfortable and relaxed during
tooth surface. This can be done to procedure is used to clean the your procedure. Conscious
just one tooth, or to enhance your pockets and secure the gum tissue sedation is a safe, drug-induced
entire smile. in its original place. Reducing pocket state in which you are conscious
depth and eliminating existing
and pleasantly relaxed- yet free
Dental Implants bacteria are important to prevent
A dental implant is an artificial tooth damage caused by the progression of fear, anxiety, and
root placed in the jaw to hold a of periodontal disease and to help apprehension. It is different than
replacement tooth or bridge in maintain your healthy smile. general anesthesia, and it does
place, or to provide support for a not carry the inherent risks
denture. Dental implants are the Combination Procedures associated with general
answer for many people with Sometimes you may need a few of anesthesia. If you have questions
missing or damaged teeth- implants these procedures to build the
look and feel just like your own framework for your perfect smile.
about conscious sedation, ask
teeth! Often, periodontal plastic surgery is your dental professional for more
used to lay the foundation for information.
Root Coverage further cosmetic enhancements,
During a root coverage procedure, such as orthodontics and veneers. A
gum tissue from your palate is used combination of periodontal
to cover the exposed tooth roots. procedures can result in a beautiful
These procedures are used to cover new smile and improved periodontal
roots, develop gum tissue where health- your keys to smiling, eating,
needed, or to make dental implants and speaking with comfort and This Information Provided by
look more natural. In some cases, confidence. Your Periodontist
The American Academy of Periodontology Patient Page is a public service of the AAP and should
not be used as a substitute for the care and advice of your personal periodontist. There may be
variations in treatment that your periodontist will recommend based on individual facts and cir-
cumstances. Visit perio.org to assess your risk and for more information on periodontal disease.
AAP Patient Page September 2010