Ask a doctor

Can You Perform a Gum Graft Over Existing Veneers/crowns?

I had 8 upper veneers done. The purpose was to elongate my natural teeth at the Biting Edge so they show more when i smile/talk. My dentist did the opposite procedure: lifted my gumline UPWARDS 3mm+. 1.Does gum ever grow back after laser crown lengthening? 2.Can a gum graft lower the gumline back to the original state? 3.Is it possible to graft over a veneer? PS. The dentist wont return any calls.I am filing a complaint to the royal college.

Doctor Answers 3

Grafting over crowns and veneers

April 8th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
One can only graft over root surface not enamel, veneers or crowns. There is no attachment mechanism over porcelain and enamel and the only thing one would create, in my experience, are deep pockets and new sources of inflammation. 
Herbert Veisman, DDS


Toronto Periodontist
5.0 out of 5 stars 9 reviews

April 8th, 2016

Grafting over crowns and veneers

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
One can only graft over root surface not enamel, veneers or crowns. There is no attachment mechanism over porcelain and enamel and the only thing one would create, in my experience, are deep pockets and new sources of inflammation. 


Toronto Periodontist

Can gum be grafted over Veneers?

November 4th, 2010
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Grafting of gum cannot be successful over veneers. One option is to remove the veneers and place temporaries, graft the gum tissue, and then place new veneers shaped and of a length you desire. Most importantly, the cosmetic dentist and the patient should communicate clearly the goals prior to beginning the case.

Mickey Bernstein, DDS

Mickey Bernstein, DDS
Memphis Dentist
5.0 out of 5 stars 1 review

November 4th, 2010

Can gum be grafted over Veneers?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Grafting of gum cannot be successful over veneers. One option is to remove the veneers and place temporaries, graft the gum tissue, and then place new veneers shaped and of a length you desire. Most importantly, the cosmetic dentist and the patient should communicate clearly the goals prior to beginning the case.

Mickey Bernstein, DDS
Memphis Dentist

Gum grafts do not attach over veneers

November 3rd, 2010
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Many of the wonderful advantages to modern dental techniques can be viewed as disadvantages as well. Lasered gums likely will not grow back, and grafting gum tissue won't stay on porcelain. While the complaint to the royal college may feel satisfying, there likely won't be anything from it. The best move would be to seek a second opinion on what your options are.
Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD
November 3rd, 2010

Gum grafts do not attach over veneers

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Many of the wonderful advantages to modern dental techniques can be viewed as disadvantages as well. Lasered gums likely will not grow back, and grafting gum tissue won't stay on porcelain. While the complaint to the royal college may feel satisfying, there likely won't be anything from it. The best move would be to seek a second opinion on what your options are.
Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD

You might also like...

*Treatment results may vary

Related content

  • 1 comment
  • 1 thank
  • 1 comment
  • 1 thank
  • 1 comment
  • 1 thank
View all Gingival Graft reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.