Am I a candidate for a Gingivectomy procedure? (Photo)

Question

I had ideas of getting a Gingivectomy procedure done for my top 6 teeth only because whenever i smile those top gums show the most and I've became self-conscious about it. I'd just like to know if I'm a candidate for this procedure and I'm also wondering how much would this procedure approximately cost me for 6 teeth while living in North Carolina. Will being scheduling a consultation soon but I'd like an idea :) Hope to hear from someone soon!

Derek Faktor, DMD · Answer

I believe you may be a candidate for a gingivectomy procedure howeveryour expectations may not necessarily match the results.  Your dentist willhave to examine the actual distance from the edge of the gum tissue to the level ofthe bone.  This is done with the use of a measuring tool called a periodontal probe.It is placed in the pocket between the gum and the tooth and gives the dentist a general idea how much tissue can be removed.  The limitations in raising your gum are two fold.  One you will be exposing more toothand will cause your teeth to appear longer and more narrow.  I dont believe your toothposition will warrant more than a millimeter or two of lift which is not so significant relativeto how much gum you have on a full smile.  The other solution which can be performed intandem with the mini lift would be to have botox placed strategically above your lip.  I wouldstart with about 5 units on either side.  This will inhibit your lip from raising to its highest pointbut still allow you to have a very nice smile.  These are two conservative solutions to your gummy smile.  There are more aggressive solutionssuch as orthognathic surgery but that would be something you would have to think about sincethat procedure comes with risk.

Herbert Veisman, DDS · Answer

Stop the presses! You are NOT a candidate for a gingivectomy or gum lift. You have what's called VERTICAL MAXILLARY EXCESS which means that it's a jaw condition and not gums. If you had something called ALTERED PASSIVE ERUPTION (you can Google these terms), meaning your teeth didn't fully erupt, then you could do a gingivectomy. But your teeth erupted already for the most part and you should not do this procedure or your roots will get exposed and you will have problems. Do not do it!

Am I a candidate for a Gingivectomy procedure? (Photo)

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Am I a candidate for a Gingivectomy procedure? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.