Gum Surgery

When is it necessary to complete Full Mouth Restorations & Periodontal Plastic Surgery? Let’s start this discussion by looking at a dental situation where Full Mouth Restorations are the best treatment for the patient’s concerns. This case also demonstrates a situation where Periodontal Plastic Surgery significantly improved the outcome. Jody’s main concerns: Alignment – The teeth used to be even […]

What is a ‘Reverse Smile’? and Options to Correct a ‘Reverse Smile‘. Have you heard the term, ‘Reverse Smile‘?  What does that mean?  What is a ‘reverse smile‘ and what are some options to correct this? A reverse smile is simply a when the edges of the upper teeth follow along a reverse or inverted curve to the lower lip. […]

You, or someone you know may have discolorations on the gums that look like the photo of our patient above. The areas shown here are melanotic macules or flat brown or black pigmented areas.  They are harmless and may have been present since birth.  Doctors are not exactly sure what causes these ‘freckle-like’ areas to occur.  Some people develop areas […]

What is a gingival papilloma?  Should you be concerned if you think you have one?  What treatments are available? Small lump seen on gums between the central incisor and the lateral incisor in the photo to the left is a gingival papilloma. A gingival papilloma is simply a lump of tissue on the gums as seen in this photograph.  The […]

It may sound complicated, but gum surgery or gingival plastic surgery can be an easy and comfortable procedure! In our Grand Junction office we use either a diode laser or electro-surgery to carefully remove tissue to complete the gum surgery.  This can be an easy addition to a treatment plan to achieve better aesthetics and a very important part of […]

This can cause a gingival defect known as gum recession. Luckily this patient does not show a lot of gum tissue when she smiles as trauma like this will almost always leave an area of gum recession on the root surface. Gum Recession or gingival recession is the term used when the gums move apically or away from their normal […]

I’m excited to tell you about our new diode lasers. I feel this technology will improve the way we manage periodontal disease, perform soft tissue surgeries and biopsies, and even help patients during orthodontic care. After careful evaluation and many hours of training, we now have two diode lasers. I was so excited about the possible benefits to our patients; […]