Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

The appearance of your smile goes beyond your teeth. Your gums play a significant role in how your smile looks, and when they’re too high, too low, or uneven, it can affect the overall balance of your face. Cosmetic periodontal surgery addresses exactly that, offering a range of procedures designed to reshape and restore gum tissue so your smile looks as good as it feels. If you’ve been bothered by a gummy smile, an uneven gumline, or exposed roots, these treatments may be able to give you the results you’ve been looking for.

At Rockland Dental Specialists in New York, our periodontists and implant specialists bring over 24 years of combined experience in periodontics, implants, and endodontics to every patient they see. Led by Dr. Shalom Mintz, who is board-certified in periodontics and implantology, and Dr. David Peto, our team approaches each case with precision and care. Whether you’re looking to correct a cosmetic gum concern or need treatment to support long-term oral health, we provide personalized care tailored to your goals. Our periodontics services are designed to treat the full range of gum-related conditions, cosmetic and otherwise.

What Is Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

Cosmetic periodontal surgery refers to a group of procedures performed by a periodontist to improve the appearance of the gums and the surrounding structures of the smile. Unlike treatments focused solely on disease, these procedures are designed with aesthetics in mind, though many also carry functional benefits.

The goal is to create a more harmonious, balanced smile by correcting issues such as excessive gum tissue, receding gums, or an irregular gumline. These procedures can significantly improve the appearance of the smile while also protecting the underlying teeth and bone.

Common Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures

There are several procedures that fall under the umbrella of cosmetic periodontal surgery, each designed to address a different concern.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic periodontal procedures. It involves carefully removing a small amount of gum tissue, and sometimes bone, to expose more of the natural tooth surface. This procedure is often used to treat a “gummy smile,” where the gums cover too much of the teeth and make them appear shorter than they are. Crown lengthening can transform the proportions of your smile, making your teeth look longer and more balanced. Beyond cosmetics, it is also performed to prepare a tooth for a crown or other restoration when there isn’t enough tooth structure visible above the gumline.

Gingival Grafting

When gums recede, they expose the roots of the teeth, which can cause sensitivity and put those roots at risk. Gingival grafting involves taking a small amount of tissue, often from the roof of the mouth, and attaching it to the areas where gum recession has occurred. This restores coverage over the exposed roots and creates a more even, natural gumline. The result is a healthier, more uniform appearance and improved protection for your teeth going forward.

The following are some of the concerns that cosmetic periodontal surgery may be able to address:

• A gummy smile where excess gum tissue covers too much of the teeth
• Gum recession that exposes tooth roots and creates an uneven gumline
• Asymmetrical gums that make the smile look unbalanced
• Exposed roots that cause sensitivity or aesthetic concern

Together, these procedures give our periodontists and implant specialists the tools to meaningfully improve the look and health of your gum tissue.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from cosmetic periodontal surgery varies depending on the procedure, but most patients are able to return to their normal routine within a few days. Your first follow-up appointment typically occurs within two weeks after surgery, and the second follow-up usually happens around eight to ten weeks post-procedure. After that, we typically see patients every three months for the first year following periodontal surgery. Following that period, patients can alternate appointments every three months between our office and their general dentist to maintain optimal results.

Our team provides clear post-operative instructions to help you heal comfortably and get the most out of your results. You can also explore our about page to learn more about who we are and how we approach patient care.

Schedule Your Consultation at Rockland Dental Specialists

At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Mintz, Dr. Peto, and our full team of periodontists and implant specialists are committed to delivering the highest quality personalized care to every patient who walks through our doors. With over 24 years of combined experience and a high-end office designed to keep you comfortable throughout every step of treatment, we make it easy to pursue the smile you want in a calm, stress-free setting.

We offer complimentary insurance verifications and create custom payment plans that cater to each patient’s individual needs, so cost is never a barrier to getting the care you deserve. If you’re ready to learn whether cosmetic periodontal surgery is right for you, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule your consultation.