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Gummy Smile vs. Gum Recession: When Is Gum Contouring or a Gingival Graft Needed?

The gumline plays an important role in both the appearance and health of your smile. Two concerns that can noticeably change the gumline are a gummy smile and gum recession. Although they may seem like opposite problems, both can benefit from an evaluation by a periodontist to determine whether treatment is appropriate. At Palm Beach Center for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we provide periodontal treatments for both excess gum tissue and receding gums in Palm Beach Gardens.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue covers more of the teeth than desired. This can make teeth appear shorter or create an uneven gumline. For some patients, the concern is primarily cosmetic. In other cases, excess tissue can make it more difficult to thoroughly clean the surfaces of the teeth.

Depending on the amount and location of the excess tissue, gum contouring may be recommended. Cosmetic periodontal procedures can reshape the gumline and expose more of the natural tooth structure for a more balanced appearance.

When Is Gum Contouring Recommended?

Gum contouring focuses on removing or reshaping excess gum tissue rather than replacing tissue that has been lost. Our treatment recommendations depend on your individual gumline, tooth structure, and overall periodontal health.

Options may include:

•          Gingivectomy to remove a small amount of excess gum tissue

•          Crown lengthening to expose more of the natural tooth

•          Targeted reshaping to improve an uneven or asymmetrical gumline

Our practice may use laser techniques for certain gingivectomy procedures, helping precisely reshape excess tissue.

How Is Gum Recession Different?

Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, leaving more of the tooth or root surface exposed. Teeth may begin to look longer, and patients may experience increased sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking.

Recession can develop for several reasons, including inflammation, thin gum tissue, tooth positioning, or aggressive brushing. As gum tissue is lost, exposed root surfaces can become more vulnerable to decay and other complications.

When Might a Gingival Graft Be Needed?

A gingival graft, commonly called a gum graft, is designed to add or reposition tissue in areas affected by recession. Grafting may be appropriate when additional tissue is needed to protect exposed roots, strengthen the gumline, reduce sensitivity, or improve the appearance of receding gums.

Not every patient with gum recession requires traditional gum grafting. At our Palm Beach Gardens practice, many patients may qualify for the Chao Pinhole Technique®, a minimally invasive approach that repositions existing gum tissue without traditional grafting. For patients who do require a gum graft, treatment is customized based on the extent of recession and the health of the surrounding tissues.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Gumline

A gummy smile involves excess tissue, while gum recession involves tissue loss. Because the causes and treatment goals are different, a periodontal evaluation is the best way to determine whether gum contouring, a gingival graft, Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, or another approach is appropriate for your smile.