Dr. Patel
Periodontist
The training that Dr. Patel has received has given him a wide range of experience in treating advanced periodontal disease, complicated extractions of teeth, placement of dental implants, bone regenerative procedures, as well as in periodontal plastic surgery/cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Pooria Fallah
Periodontist
Dr. Fallah received his DDS degree in 2009 and subsequently completed his residency program in Periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry in 2015. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontics in 2016 and has been practicing periodontics in private practice in Dallas since 2015.
Dr. Husain
Periodontist
Dr. Husain is proficient in dental surgical procedures involving bone and soft tissue grafting, dental implant placement, minimally invasive LANAP and other laser procedures, and treating chronic periodontal diseases.
Dr. Li
Periodontist
Dr. Li is a Board-Certified periodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A Diplomate is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants.
Dr. Sheppard
Periodontist
Dr. Sheppard has been in private practice since 2004. She takes pride in providing her patients with the highest quality care using the latest technology and using a patient centered approach. In 2005, she co-founded The Northwest Society of Women Dentists, an organization for women who were often also business owners.
Causes of Gummy Smile
Gummy smiles can develop for a variety of reasons, and do not necessarily indicate that there is anything wrong with the health of your teeth or gums. Some patients simply prefer to have a more balanced ratio between their gums and teeth. There are, however, times when a gummy smile is the result of an underlying issue, such as a delayed passive eruption, aggressive brushing, or periodontal disease. Before correcting your gummy smile, it will be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Gum Contouring Process
To determine if gum contouring is right for you, you will need to schedule an initial consultation, during which we will examine the overall health of your teeth, review your medical history, and determine what treatment options are best suited to your unique needs.
If gum contouring is determined to be the optimal treatment option for you, your procedure will typically begin with a local anesthetic. The type of anesthesia that is used may vary, depending upon the severity of your case as well as your overall sensitivity. Once you are properly numbed, your periodontist will use either a scalpel or laser to remove excess tissue and begin reshaping the gum line to a more desirable aesthetic appearance. The procedure can typically be completed within one hour.
Other techniques for addressing a gummy smile include crown lengthening, lip repositioning, laser treatment, and braces. Talk to your periodontist about which approach is right for you!
Aftercare for Gum Contouring
Recovery time following a gum contouring procedure will vary from patient to patient and depend upon how extensive your procedure was. It is not uncommon for patients to experience some soreness following the gum contouring procedure. To help alleviate this pain, your periodontist will likely suggest OTC pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. It may also be helpful to use a soft bristle toothbrush and practice gentle brushing.
It is also a good idea to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days, slowly reintroducing harder foods as the healing process progresses. Although not common, there are potential risks involved with the gum contouring procedure, including gum swelling and/or excessive bleeding. Fortunately, these complications are very rare and can be easily treated.
Following the procedure it will be necessary to follow specific aftercare instructions. To maximize the benefits and longevity of this procedure, it is critical to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily, and ideally every time you brush your teeth.
It is also important to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques and continue scheduling regular checkups with your periodontist every six months. By maintaining a consistent oral health care routine, you will significantly reduce your risk of developing additional periodontal issues, and will continue enjoying a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.
Gum Contouring Cost
There are a range of factors that can impact the final cost of having gum contouring performed, such as the severity of your case, any associated procedures that will need to be performed prior to or along with treatment, as well as your insurance plan.
Our team is committed to helping you complete necessary paperwork, schedule appointments, and answer any questions you have concerning billing. For patients who have insurance plans, we do request you submit medical/dental insurance information with your New Patient Paperwork to expedite this process.
Please note: to reduce costs to our patients while still ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care, we have the following financial polices:
- We accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
- Full payment is due after services rendered
- Payment plan options are available via www.CareCredit.com
PERIODONTAL SERVICES
To determine if you have gum disease, your periodontist will measure the space between your teeth and gums. Patients who have pockets that are deeper than the average depth of three millimeters or less will be considered candidates for treating gum disease. Depending upon how severe your case is, your periodontist will suggest a follow up appointment, during which several different treatment options may be recommended.
Schedule Your Visit Today
At ROOT™ Periodontal and Implant Center, we take your health, confidence, and teeth seriously. Scheduling regular visits to maintain your teeth and gums will actively improve your overall health, and maintaining a bright and strong healthy smile will do wonders for your self-confidence. In addition to recognizing the importance of your oral health, we also understand the importance of your time, which is why we are committed to making every visit to our clinic as efficient as possible.
If you would like to learn more about treating your gummy smile and/or see if gum contouring is right for you, schedule an appointment or consultation today with our friendly, helpful staff, who can be reached at the following locations: Carrollton: (972) 242-7603; Flower Mound: (972) 434-8050; Denton: (940) 566-7021, or Frisco: (469) 489-ROOT.
We look forward to serving you and your smile and having you on your way as soon as possible!