Recession and Gummy Smiles
The Issue with the Tissue
The type of genes you have can have a major affect on your gum health and aesthetics. Doctors have identified 2 different types of gum Tissue Bio-types. The Thin, and the Thick tissue Biotype.
Patient who have Thin Tissue Bio-type are unfortunately more prone to recession, as the there is not enough tissue to resist the forces of chewing over time. These patient are also more prone to the breakdown from Periodontal Disease. However, with proper understanding of how to care for you teeth, and taking a gentler approach to brushing you can avoid the breakdown of gum tissue. Dr. Akmal recommends using only soft bristled tooth brushes as they are gentler on the gums.
Patient who have Thick Tissue Bio-types are more resistant to periodontal breakdown, but sometimes have excessive gum display leading to a “Gummy Smile” or “Tiny Looking Teeth”.
Thick tissue biotypes can also “Mask” the symptoms of gum disease. Patients often have no idea that this breakdown is occurring as there is usually very little discomfort. This is why it is important to maintain a regular check up schedule with your doctor, so they can catch and treat any disease that is occurring in the early stages.
Treatment for Gum Recession
There are many different procedures that can be done to correct recession. The cause of why it is occurring is often important and Dr.Akmal will consult with you as to the various treatment options you have.
Though in the past gum grafts could ead to significant discomfort. The modern techniques employed by Dr.Akmal, such as Connective tissue, Acellular Dermal Matrix, and newer techniques such as Pin. Hole, tunelling and PRP allow us to treat gum destruction with minimal discomfort.
Treatment for Gummy Smiles
Though gummy smiles are not a functional or a disease problem, many people often find them to be cosmetically displeasing. Some times this is due to a mismatch between the growth of your upper and lower jaws requiring major orthognatic surgery in a hospital. However, many times smaller procedures in the office can be done to take care of this. Dr. Akmal’s specializes in minimally invasive cosmetic gum surgery. Depending on what the cause of the excessive gum display, Dr.Akmal has a number of treatment options.
