About one in seven patients have extra gums tissue that is not very attractive. Most of these patients are bothered by their smile and often seek cosmetic dental care. Because they are bothered by their gummy smile, they often limit the amount that they smile and never fully relax in social settings. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this situation. Healthy gums are a good thing!

           A beautiful smile underneath the extra gums tissue, in many cases, can be revealed using a surgical gum contouring technique. Gum contouring combines gingivectomy ( the cutting away of excess gingiva ) and gingivoplasty ( the reshaping of badly formed gums ). This procedure is performed in the dental office and most patients are very pleased immediately. Many dentists use an electrosurgery/electrocautery technique that both cuts and clots the tissue. The procedure often takes less than an hour and there is very little post operative discomfort.

           Having extra gums tissue is not only unattractive but this condition encourages trapping food which leads to dental decay and bad breath. There are a number of causes. When a child grows and becomes an adult, the gingiva naturally recede to show more of the beautiful smile underneath. This is called passive eruption. In some patients, this process goes wrong and the tissue never recedes. Many medications cause gingival overgrowth that can cover the teeth.

           If you are concerned about having extra gums and would like to speak with a cosmetic dentist, the dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky is an Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist with the group and enjoys resculpting and rejuvenating the gingival tissues. If you are interested in having Dr. Padolsky design a new beautiful smile for you, schedule your free cosmetic consultation by calling 404-874-7428.