PERIODONTICS

Mucogingival Procedures

Dr Patterson treats a range of mucogingival procedures. These include:

Gingival recession
This condition occurs when the gum tissue around the teeth wears away, exposing more of the teeth than usual. This can cause bacteria to build up in the gaps between the teeth and the gums, damaging tissue and bone structures. Gingival recession often occurs as a result of periodontal disease that destroys gum tissues and bone, but it can also occur as a result of excessively hard tooth brushing.
Clinical crown lengthening
Dr Patterson performs clinical crown lengthening procedures in cases where there is an insufficient amount of residual tooth structure remaining above the gum line. During the procedure, Dr Patterson will make a small incision in the gum to create a flap in order to expose the bone. The bone is then shaved down to the required size before the gum is stitched back into place. The procedure results in a crown that appears to be longer than before. The procedure can be performed for a single tooth, or several teeth, depending on the situation.
Gingival overgrowth
Gingival overgrowth occurs when the gum tissue is enlarged, and grows over the necks of the teeth. One of the main causes of the condition is inflammation, which can be triggered by poor oral hygiene, as well as certain medications and hereditary diseases. Dr Patterson may recommend a biopsy to properly diagnose the condition, after which it may be treated based on the cause and extent of the damage. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the overgrown gum tissue.