While your teeth generally take much of the credit for your ability to eat and speak, your soft tissues perform vital functions that you may sometimes take for granted. Most notably, your gums are the protective barrier that keeps infection out and your teeth in. Sometimes having too little or too much soft tissue can make you feel self-conscious, can limit essential oral functions, and can even jeopardize your dental health. Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring or gingival sculpting, is one of the cosmetic and medical procedures available to improve the appearance and health of your gums.
Our skilled dentist at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic offers customized soft tissue periodontal treatments like frenectomies and gum recontouring in Flowood, MS to gently rebalance and restore your dental health so you can live a functional and healthy life! Contact our Flowood dentist at (601) 939-4100 to learn more about our soft tissue periodontal treatments.
For all your soft tissue concerns, we welcome you to seek treatment from our experienced dentist, Dr. Klaus.
Soft tissue periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry dedicated to the health and maintenance of the soft tissues in your mouth, including your gums, periodontal ligament, and surrounding tissues. This branch of dentistry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases that affect these vital areas. Procedures such as gum grafting, gum contouring, and soft tissue grafting are commonly performed to restore and maintain healthy gum tissue. By addressing issues with the soft tissue, we can prevent further damage and ensure your gums remain healthy and functional.
Too much gum tissue covering your teeth can make them appear small or short and give you a “gummy” smile look. With care and precision, we’ll reshape the gum tissue and remove excess bone around your teeth to restore better symmetry and improve your tooth-to-gum ratio. Soft tissue recontouring, crown lengthening, and gingivectomy procedures rebalance your smile and restore your confidence!
That slender tissue connecting your top lip to your gums or your tongue to the bottom of your mouth are each called a frenulum. If either of these tissues is too restrictive, you may have difficulty speaking or eating leading to a tongue-tie or lip-tie. Receiving a frenectomy in Flowood, MS releases this problematic tissue, freeing you to get full enjoyment out of meals, conversations, and even simply smiling.
Gum grafting surgery is an essential procedure for restoring gum tissue. Gums receding or pulling away from the teeth leave sensitive teeth roots exposed to harmful bacteria, and gum grafting can address this issue. Additionally, the use of donor tissue from a tissue bank in gum graft surgeries can offer benefits such as reduced procedure time and less postoperative discomfort. Gum grafting restores gum tissue where it has receded, usually replacing it with tissue from your own mouth. This tissue graft will fuse with your existing gums, alleviating your tooth sensitivity and giving you a consistent and healthy gumline.
Soft tissue periodontics offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond just improving your smile. These include:
By focusing on the health of your gum tissue, soft tissue periodontics helps ensure that your mouth remains healthy and functional, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
Maintaining healthy gum tissue is essential for preventing gum disease and other oral health issues. Here are some tips to keep your gums in top shape:
By following these simple steps and seeking professional dental care when needed, you can help maintain healthy gum tissue and enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
Recovery times vary by procedure. Gum recontouring typically heals within one to two weeks, frenectomy healing occurs within seven to 10 days, and gum grafting may take two to three weeks for complete healing. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of treatment.
All soft tissue treatments are performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. While some mild discomfort is normal during recovery, it can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain medication and following our post-operative care instructions.
During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns, and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Each patient’s needs are unique, and we create personalized treatment plans based on your specific situation.
Most soft tissue treatments provide long-lasting results. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is essential for preserving your results. Gum grafts and recontouring results are typically permanent when properly maintained.
Insurance coverage varies depending on the procedure and whether it’s deemed medically necessary. Your dentist will help you understand your coverage options and discuss available payment plans to make treatment accessible.
Dietary restrictions vary by procedure but typically last one to two weeks. It is important to incorporate soft foods into your diet during the recovery phase to aid in healing and alleviate discomfort. Examples of soft foods include eggs, pasta, fish, and cooked vegetables. We provide detailed post-operative instructions, including when and what types of foods you can safely consume during recovery.
Don’t let soft tissue concerns affect your quality of life. At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic, we provide comprehensive soft tissue treatments to restore both function and aesthetics. Advanced treatments like dental surgery and gum reshaping are available to address severe dental conditions and improve the appearance of your gums and teeth. Our experienced team is ready to help you achieve optimal oral health through personalized care and advanced treatment options.
Contact our Flowood office today at (601) 939-4100 to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients from Flowood and surrounding communities, including Pearl, Brandon, and Madison. Let us help you restore your smile’s health and beauty through professional soft tissue treatment.
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