Cosmetic Dentist Procedures That Improve the Health of Your Gums

People typically associate a cosmetic dentist with someone who deals exclusively in the appearance of teeth. To a large degree, this fact is true. The bulk of what we do focuses on the appearance and restoring a beautiful smile. To that end, our Austin dental office performs a number of procedures that are incredibly effective in giving you back self-confidence; giving you a bright and radiant smile; and helping you achieve perfectly aligned teeth. Some of the procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist are ones that you are probably more familiar with.  These procedures include teeth whitening, installation of dental veneers, shaping and sizing the teeth, giving you a dental crown to replace a lost tooth or a bridge to replace multiple, and even dental implants for a permanent solution to lost teeth. These are the bread and butter procedures that we perform, virtually, every day. There are several other procedures that are performed by a cosmetic dentist or a periodontist, which are not so commonly known but still have a significant role to play in making some patients smile brighter. Both of the procedures described below started out with medical applications, and still do have an important role to play in the health of your teeth, but now are also being used for cosmetic purposes.

Gingivectomy

As a cosmetic dentist, we also perform a procedure known as a gingivectomy, which can actually help to save your teeth from falling out. We know there is nothing more unsightly than missing teeth, and will work hard to protect you from that eventuality. A gingivectomy is performed on patients who have periodontitis. It is usually recommended when there is an imminent danger to the underlying bone which supports the teeth. However, we can also do the procedure for aesthetic reasons. Periodontitis causes the gums to become separated from the teeth, which in turn leads to deep pockets in the gums. Not only are these extremely unattractive but they become a petri dish for bacteria. The plaque, which cannot be easily removed from these deep pockets, builds up and leads to infections or worse. Left unchecked this can do permanent damage to the teeth, including causing them to fall out. The surgery is relatively easy. First the area around the site is injected with local anesthesia then, once the gums are sufficiently numb, the excess gum tissue, which is loose, is removed using a scalpel or a laser. After the procedure, we will often cover the gums with putty to protect the gums while they heal. As a cosmetic dentist in Austin, we will also contour the gums to ensure that they do not lose shape during the procedure.

Gum Reshaping 

Another procedure that is often performed by a cosmetic dentist is gum reshaping or tissue contouring. Sometimes the gums are pulled back too far due to gum recession. The patient runs the risk of having their root exposed, and the teeth look too long, so the overall effect is not pleasant. Using gum reshaping, we can lengthen the gums so that they properly cover the teeth, restoring your smile and also covering your roots. The procedure is done in the clinic, in a matter of hours and is performed under local anesthesia.

As a cosmetic dentist, these are only two of the ways that we can improve the health and appearance of your gum tissue.

Our office is conveniently located near William Cannon Dr & West Gate Blvd Intersection. We are just minutes away for people living in areas Slaughter Ln, Brodie Ln, William Cannon Dr, West Gate Blvd, Sunset Valley, Oak Hill, Manchaca, Barton Creek, Lost Creek, Barton Hills, Rolling Wood, South Congress, Emerald Forest, Circle C, Onion Creek Neighborhoods.

If you are driving on West gate Blvd, you can not miss our office, which has a huge sign board Dental Offices. For your convenience, please find the directions to our office.

Coming from South On Mopac Take William Cannon Dr Exit Turn Right (East) On William Cannon Turn Left On West Gate Blvd, Couple of blocks our office on your left.

Coming from South On I35 Take William Cannon Dr Exit Turn Left(West) On William Cannon Turn Right On West Gate Blvd, Couple of blocks our office on your left.

Coming from North or Downtown On Mopac Take William Cannon Dr Exit Turn Left(East) On William Cannon Turn Left On West Gate Blvd, Couple of blocks our office on your left

Coming from North or Downtown On I35 Take William Cannon Dr Exit Turn Right(West) On William Cannon Turn Right On West Gate Blvd, Couple of blocks our office on your left.