Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure, crown lengthening. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to more than one tooth, to even your gum line, and to create a beautiful smile.
Another cosmetic procedure is a soft tissue graft that covers tooth roots to provide better protection from decay. Additionally, gum grafting reduces gum recession that leads to root exposure and potential tooth loss.
Tooth loss causes the jaw bone to recede and can lead to unnatural-looking indentations in your gums and jaw. Tooth loss also gives the appearance of aging. A lack of jawbone in the area of the missing tooth or teeth may leave gaps under replacement teeth like a dental bridge. This has the potential to create a place for bad bacteria to collect and lead to other dental issues.
Bone grafting following tooth loss preserves the socket/ridge and minimizes gum collapse and bone reabsorption. There is more foundational bone for an implant and less space under a dental bridge.
Unlike gum grafting, the Pinhole Surgical Technique PST™ is minimally invasive and does not a scalpel to cut the gum tissue. This makes it a much less painful option with a faster recovery time. Gum recession was traditionally treated using a connective tissue graft, which "harvests" gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and then sutures it to the affected area. Traditional connective tissue grafts have a recovery period of up to three weeks. Patients often experience gum pain, swelling, and bleeding.
10723 N. Oak Hills Parkway, Building B
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Tel: (225) 769-1444
Fax: (225) 769-9939
Baton Rouge Periodontists, Dr. Kenneth Markle and Dr. Jenny Herman, provide a variety of surgical and non-surgical services for the treatment of periodontal issues. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are very conservative in our treatment recommendations and limit surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary.
Proudly serving Baton Rouge Louisiana and the cities of Gonzales LA Prairieville LA • Denham Springs LA Central LA • Hammond LA Zachary LA • St. Francisville LA • Baker LA • LaPlace LA
