Periodontal plastic surgery — gum grafts, recession coverage, gummy-smile correction.

Periodontal plastic surgery addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns related to the gum tissue. The goal is to achieve adequate gum tissue in the correct proportion — enough thickness to protect the underlying tooth and bone, in a shape that looks right.

The procedures fall into two categories: adding tissue where there isn't enough (grafting), and removing tissue where there is too much (reduction or recontouring).

Gum recession exposes the root of the tooth — which is sensitive to temperature, less resistant to decay than enamel, and visible as the tooth "looking longer" than its neighbours. Recession isn't always caused by gum disease — overly aggressive brushing, bite trauma, orthodontic tooth movement, and naturally thin tissue are common contributors.

A graft transfers a small amount of tissue, usually from the palate, to the recession area. The result is thicker, healthier gum that covers the exposed root surface, is less prone to further recession, and is easier to maintain.

Some smiles show too much gum — sometimes because the teeth haven't fully erupted from underneath the gum tissue, sometimes because the upper lip moves higher than average, sometimes both. The procedure adjusts the gum line (and sometimes a small amount of bone) to expose more of the tooth and correct the proportion.

Two procedures do this work. Gingivectomy removes gum tissue only; crown lengthening removes both gum tissue and bone. Neither is reserved for one purpose: both are used to correct a gummy smile, and both are used to expose enough tooth structure for a crown or a filling. Which one we choose depends on the clinical situation.

• Gum recession causing root sensitivity or aesthetic concern
• Thin or insufficient gum tissue around natural teeth or implants
• A gummy smile that bothers the patient
• Crown lengthening or gingivectomy to expose enough tooth for a crown or filling
• Improvement of denture fit and comfort

A periodontal plastic surgery consultation starts with a comprehensive oral assessment — sometimes the issue you came in for has a different cause than expected, and a less invasive option is available. We're conservative about recommending surgery and will explain every alternative.

Procedures are done under local anaesthetic (intra-oral injections) in the practice. Healing typically takes one to two weeks for the soft tissue to settle, with full maturation over several months. Most patients return to their normal routine the next day with mild discomfort managed by over-the-counter medication.

The full post-operative instructions for a gum graft are on the site, and we give you the same sheet before you leave.