Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments

A person with long hair is smiling and looking at a dental model held by a gloved hand inside a dental office, likely discussing jawbone corrective treatments.
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Healthy Gums in Belmont, MA

At Belmont Dental Group we work hard to keep your gums and jaw healthy at our facility in Belmont, MA. There are many reasons why the gums and jawbone may require corrective treatment, including periodontal disease, trauma, and birth defects. Periodontal disease, in particular, can greatly disfigure the natural appearance of the gums and teeth and give the smile an unaesthetic appearance. To learn more about this condition, please visit the about periodontal disease page on this website.

Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments

New cosmetic surgery procedures are also available in periodontics that effectively correct cosmetic problems and restore your smile’s natural beauty. Here are some of the most common gum and jawbone corrective treatments:

  • Crown lengthening (gum lift)
  • Gum grafts
  • Pocket reduction surgery
  • Sinus augmentation
  • Ridge modification
  • Bone grafts
A dentist stands next to a reclining patient in a dental clinic, adjusting the overhead light while the patient wears a dental bib, preparing for gum corrective treatments.
A blue gradient background with curved lines and dots, forming a wave pattern. The top-left and bottom-right corners are rounded, evoking a calming sense of home reminiscent of Belmont Dental Group's welcoming ambiance.
A female dentist examines a patient's mouth under a dental light while a male dental assistant works in the background. Both are wearing masks and gloves, focusing on jawbone corrective treatments as the patient is seated in a dental chair.
A blue gradient background with curved lines and dots, forming a wave pattern. The top-left and bottom-right corners are rounded, evoking a calming sense of home reminiscent of Belmont Dental Group's welcoming ambiance.
A female dentist examines a patient's mouth under a dental light while a male dental assistant works in the background. Both are wearing masks and gloves, focusing on jawbone corrective treatments as the patient is seated in a dental chair.
A blue gradient background with curved lines and dots, forming a wave pattern. The top-left and bottom-right corners are rounded, evoking a calming sense of home reminiscent of Belmont Dental Group's welcoming ambiance.

Gum Recession

Gingival recession refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue that can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. The condition can be slow to develop but regular dental care will help assess any risk factors to catch any possible issues early. Some symptoms that may signal this problem include sensitive teeth, visible roots, longer-looking teeth, bad breath, inflammation, and bleeding. The most common causes of gum recession are aggressive brushing, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and periodontal disease. To learn more about how to improve your home dental care, contact our office or visit the oral hygiene aids page on this website.

Treatment for Gum Recession

Gum recession can be successfully treated and there are many different approaches available. What treatment approach you use will depend largely on what caused the recession to develop in the first place. Sometimes the problem can be halted by simply using a softer toothbrush and improving your home dental care.

Other times scaling and root planing may be recommended. Every person will require a different approach based on his or her unique situation. A dentist will make suggestions depending on your circumstances. After the gum recession has been addressed, a cosmetic procedure such as gum grafting may be done to improve the health and appearance of the tissue and teeth. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

A dentist wearing blue gloves examines a female patient. The patient, sitting in a dental chair, holds a mirror and is smiling at her reflection. Various dental tools are visible in the foreground.
A blue gradient background with curved lines and dots, forming a wave pattern. The top-left and bottom-right corners are rounded, evoking a calming sense of home reminiscent of Belmont Dental Group's welcoming ambiance.
What Are Dental Implants
A blue gradient background with curved lines and dots, forming a wave pattern. The top-left and bottom-right corners are rounded, evoking a calming sense of home reminiscent of Belmont Dental Group's welcoming ambiance.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure that consists of covering an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue. Though the name might sound frightening, the procedure is commonly performed with excellent results. The benefits of this procedure include reduced sensitivity, improved appearance, and better gum health. The tissue for the grafting procedure either comes from the patient’s own palate, or from donated tissue. The graft takes place after a thorough, professional cleaning. Under anesthetic, small incisions are made to create a small pocket to accommodate the graft. The connective tissue graft is then inserted into the space between the two sections of tissue. The graft is usually slightly larger than the recession area, so some excess will be apparent. Sutures are commonly used to prevent shifting and surgical material will protect the area during the first week of healing. Fully healed gums are usually achieved in about six weeks.