The Surgical Procedures

Done with only a local anesthetic (novocaine-type). No pain is felt during the surgical procedures.

The Gingivectomy

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This excision of gum tissue may also be refered to as a gingivoplasty depending on the health of the gum tissue. This is the least invasive of the two different surgical procedures which are used to correct a GUMMY SMILE. The gingivectomy is the surgical excision of excess gum tissue which is accomplished without having to expose the underlying bone. Frequently a preiodontal dressing will be placed over the teeth and gums in order to protect the healing tissues. Due to the fact that the procedure is minimally-invasive, patients may have soreness or discomfort, but usually not pain after the gingivectomy has been done.

The Flap Surgery

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The flap surgery is required when there is need to expose the underlying bone in order to remove some of that bone. This is required when the teeth are naturally short, the teeth have been badly worn, or the bone contours (under the gums where the gums meet the teeth) are thick and irregular. Sutures (stitches) are usually needed, in addition to a periodontal dressing. There is more of a tendency to have more discomfort or pain than is experienced with a gingivectomy.

The Hypermobile Lip Surgery

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There is an emerging procedure that is used to reduce the negative appearance of the high lip line. This procedure was first introduced in the 1970's but was not done much since cosmetic concerns were not, and have not been great until the present time. This procedure is done with a local anesthetic and involves the re-attachment of the gum tissue under the lip (this does not involve any surgery on the lip that you see) at a level that is closer to the teeth. This has the effect of limiting the excessive upward movement of the lip that is so offensive to so many patients with this high lip line. This procedure can't produce perfection in every case, but it has already been shown to provide some improvements that range from satisfactory to very good. In some cases this can't be done.