Periodontal plastic surgery, or mucogingival surgery, involves the management of gingival deficits and deformities that may be preventing you from having the smile you always wanted. Among these are:

Why should you be concerned?

Because the presence of these conditions causes not only cosmetic concerns, such as "long" teeth and "black holes" between teeth and bridges, but also dental health concerns, like progressive gingival (gum) irritation and/or bone loss, root surface sensitivity, root caries, and in extreme cases, eventual tooth loss. Recent advances in techniques and materials have resulted in significant improvements in both comfort, predictability and esthetics.

Common Esthetic Problems

Below are just a few examples of some common esthetic problems and how they were corrected. Please visit our Smile Gallery to see even more satisfied patients!

Gummy Smile (Excessive Gingival Display)

A gummy smile can occur due to a number of reasons: a short upper lip, excessive wear of the teeth due to grinding, vertical maxillary excess (a long upper jawbone), and/or altered passive eruption. 

Regardless of the cause, you do not have to live with a gummy smile. Let us work together with your dentist to determine the underlying cause and the proper treatment plan.

 Click on the thumbnails to see before and after esthetic crown lengthening.

Surgery by: Dr. Eduardo Lorenzana

Orthodontics by: Dr. Brett Buckman, Austin, Texas

Surgery by: Dr. Eduardo Lorenzana

Gingival Recession

When the gums recede, the teeth appear much "longer" than normal. Besides the fact that this does not look good, recession exposes the sensitive root surface which can make it difficult to enjoy hot or cold foods and drinks. Also, the exposed root surface is much more susceptible to plaque accumulation and root caries. In advanced cases, teeth can become loose because as the gum recedes, so does the supporting bone.

In many cases, this situation can be corrected by transplanting a small piece of gum tissue to cover the exposed root and thereby correct the appearance of "long" teeth.

Click on the thumbnail photos below to see before and after soft tissue grafting.

Surgery by: Dr. Eduardo Lorenzana

Probably the single most challenging problem in Periodontal Plastic Surgery is the reconstruction of the delicate tissue between the teeth, called the interdental papilla. No one ever thinks about this small section of the gums until it is lost, resulting in the presence of black holes or black triangles between the teeth.

Important advances have been made in the reconstruction of lost papillae but it is still the toughest task your dental team can face, often requiring the expertise of a dentist, periodontist, and/or orthodontist, among others. 

The cases below illustrate what can be accomplished when we all work together with a common vision.

Papilla augmentation by: Dr. Eduardo Lorenzana

Orthodontics by: Dr. John Gerling, McAllen, Texas

Crown lengthening, ridge and papilla augmentation by: Dr. Eduardo Lorenzana

Crowns, bridges by: Dr. Donna Gottwald, Helotes, Texas

Here at Advanced Periodontics of Texas we work together with your dentist to ensure not only the overall health of your teeth and the durability of your dental work, but also to enhance the overall appearance of your own personal calling card, your smile.

Call us for a complete evaluation.

210-349-5553

1-800-894-9081

1-800-605-3500