Gum disease starts with a combination of poor oral hygiene and genetic propensities. When you don’t go for regular dental cleanings, you will begin to have a heavy plaque and tartar buildup, even if you brush twice a day. Once tartar collects at your gumline, the irritation, inflammation, and bacterial infiltration will otherwise be known as gingivitis (AKA early gum disease). Gum disease can’t be cured, but it can be treated. If not, you may start to see changes in the way your gums and your smile appear. Your Vernon Hills dentist, Dr. Brent A. Engelberg, will discuss the ways that gum contouring might help in this situation.
Gum Contouring
When your gums recede as a result of severe gum disease (periodontitis) your teeth can appear larger and change the normal look of your smile. This can be very disconcerting and even embarrassing. There is more than just an aesthetic issue at hand, however. As gum tissue shrinks back from teeth, your roots can be exposed to infection, and you are at risk for root canal procedures, abscesses, and tooth loss. Your Vernon Hills dentist will first want to make sure that your gum disease has been treated. Once the bacterial infection is under control and periodontal pockets are reduced, a gum contouring procedure might be recommended to give your renewed smile the beautiful frame it deserves.
Too Much Gum Tissue
Gum disease isn’t the only reason that someone might opt for cosmetic gum surgery. People who are born with an excess of gingival tissues have the opposite problem of someone with recession. Too much gum tissue can make your teeth appear small and out-of-place in your mouth. Your “gummy” smile may be a real source of embarrassment and lowered quality of life. Lasers can be utilized to implement simple and effective gum contouring procedures. Excess tissue is removed in a precise way, so that patients are left with a lovely and well-proportioned smile.
Gum Contouring from Vernon Hills Dentist
Dr. Engelberg can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. To schedule a consultation, call our 60061 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
