Aesthetic Gum Lift
Washington, DC
 While your teeth play a major role in the appearance of your smile, they are not the only factor. Even if your teeth are straight, white, and free of blemishes, your smile may still not be what you want. Your gum tissue also plays a part in the beauty of your smile. Extra gum tissue can cause your teeth to look small, leaving your smile looking gummy. At Neil Starr, DDS, PC, we can remove excess gum tissue, giving you a smile you have always dreamed of, with an aesthetic gum lift.
What is an Aesthetic Gum Lift?
An aesthetic gum lift often called an aesthetic crown lengthening, is a procedure that is performed to remove excess gum tissue. With this procedure, we can give you a more natural gum line, lengthening the appearance of your teeth and improving the quality of your smile. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also need to be removed to achieve optimal results.
The Aesthetic Gum Lift Procedure
The aesthetic gum lift procedure is performed under a local anesthetic and can be completed in a single visit. We begin by making small incisions in your gum tissue and separate the tissue from the teeth. We then use a laser to remove the excess tissue. The laser uses a concentrated beam of light to remove tissue, rather than a traditional scalpel cutting it. The result is reduced bleeding and reduced tissue trauma. This results in less pain and swelling during your recovery, reducing your overall recovery time. If necessary, bone is also removed. After we are finished, your gums are sutured back up against the necks of your teeth. The results of the procedure are visible immediately and improve as you heal. The exact length of time it takes to complete your procedure depends on several factors. The more teeth that need correction, the longer it will take. Also, if bone needs to be removed, it will increase the length of your procedure. Even if a single tooth needs correction, we still work on the gums above the adjacent teeth to provide a more natural result.
Other Reasons for a Gum Lift
While a gum lift is typically a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the quality of your smile, it does have some functional uses as well. A gum lift may be used before placing a dental crown, ensuring that the crown fits properly over the damaged tooth and provides it with optimal protection. The procedure may be performed during treatment for a cavity that has formed at the gum line. Excess tissue may be removed to fully expose the cavity, enabling effective treatment. Gum lifts may also be performed to aid in improving periodontal health. Eliminating extra gum tissue prevents bacteria from hiding, makes your gums easier to keep clean, and reduces your risk of developing gum disease.
Benefits of an Aesthetic Gum Lift
There are numerous benefits associated with an aesthetic gum lift.
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Your teeth appear longer.
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We restore a more even, natural gum line.
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The results are noticeable immediately.
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With the quality of your smile improved, your confidence increases. |
If your smile is suffering because of excess gum tissue, an aesthetic gum lift may be the solution for you. Call Neil Starr, DDS, PC today at (202) 293-7177 for more information and to schedule your consultation.
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