Restore the health and beauty of your smile with gum grafting, related procedures

Our gums play an essential role in our health and smile aesthetics. When gummy tissue is healthy and well-proportioned, it “frames” the teeth nicely. That results in a balanced smile that is pleasing to the eye. Additionally, healthy gingival (gum) tissue optimally surrounds, supports, and protects the teeth and underlying bone. Our dentist, Dr. Brad Sievert, can restore or maintain that healthy, beautiful balance from the practice of Westlake Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

The power of gum grafting

“Grafting” in the medical world applies to removing tissue from one part of the body and applying it to another section that could “use” the augmentation or additional tissue. Dentists can use the grafting process to bulk up hard and soft tissues as it relates to dentistry. Hard tissues, or bone, maybe lost or resorbed due to long-term tooth loss. In this case, bone grafting may be recommended to build up the jaw. This procedure can precede the placement of dental implants, which are used to support replacement teeth.

Soft tissues, such as the gums, may be lost due to conditions like progressive gum disease. Also, gums may recede or pull away from the teeth due to the aging process or habits such as bruxism (teeth grinding). In these and other cases, gum grafting may be recommended to build up the gums. In this manner, tissue may be grafted or placed in the recessed area to augment the gums, facilitating optimal support and protection of the teeth. This procedure also corrects an undesirable complication of gum recession: a “long in the tooth” appearance. As the gums recede, they expose more of each tooth. These teeth may, in turn, look out of proportion with the gums that frame them. Much of the attractiveness of a smile (and facial aesthetics in general) comes down to symmetry, proportionality, harmony, and balance. 

During a consultation at our practice, Dr. Sievert can discuss your options for periodontal therapy and cosmetic improvement. He can also provide significant insights into the gentle, safe, predictable, and precision techniques used to “graft” the tissue.  In turn, this process:

  • Covers up tooth roots 
  • Reduces the risk of destructive tooth decay
  • Addresses the effects of periodontal (gum) disease
  • Resolves active gum disease
  • Minimizes tooth sensitivity (often caused by root exposure)
  • Improves the appearance of thin gums 
  • Presents a form of “periodontal plastic surgery” to achieve attractive smile proportions

Gum grafting also presents just one of many periodontal-related therapies at our practice in Lake Oswego. For example, we can gently “do the opposite” of gum grafting or building up the gum tissues. Among those with “gummy smiles,” we can expertly and painlessly remove excess tissue or overgrowth. This process, too, achieves stunning smile balance.

Get the smile you’ve always wanted. Regain the smile you once had. Bolster your gum health—Call 503-636-4576 to schedule your appointment at Westlake Family Dentistry.