A Periodontist Is Your “Go-To” For Healthy, Beautiful Smiles

Posted on Sep 04, 2024 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Children seem to know something adults don’t: Research shows that children smile an average of 400 times per day, compared to the average “happy” adult who smiles 40-50 times per day while the typical adult smiles only 20 times per day.

While a beautiful smile can make us more confident in how we appear to others, it also has health benefits you may not realize. According to Henry Ford Health, smiling can:

• Boost mood by causing the release of cortisol and endorphins
• Reduce blood pressure
• Increase endurance
• Reduces pain
• Reduces stress
• Strengthens immune system

In the article, they also share that studies show people who smile are perceived as more likable, courteous and competent. Smilers are also seen as more productive at work and are higher earners.

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2017/10/health-benefits-smiling

A pleasant smile is considered a symbol of beauty and well being. The appearance of a smile is influenced by a variety of factors including the shape and position of teeth and surrounding gum tissue levels. In cases where the gum tissues can greatly enhance esthetics, people often seek out the advanced skills of a periodontal specialist for periodontal plastic surgery.

Many general dentists and other dental specialists refer their patients to a periodontist for their specific skills. A periodontist is a dental specialist who is the expert in caring for the gum tissues. This includes all levels of periodontal disease as well as in the reshaping of gum tissues.

Crown Lengthening:
When the enhanced appearance of a smile is being sought, a periodontist is the pro in creating a balanced smile line. In the procedure known as “crown lengthening,” the arch of gum tissues over teeth visible in a smile can be repositioned. This is done in a procedure known as a gingivectomy.

In smiles that have an uneven line of gum tissues, the up-and-down line of tissue creates a jumbled look. Crown lengthening can alter the height of the gum arches over teeth, typically performed prior to placement of crowns (“caps”) to provide a more balanced smile line.

A crown lengthening procedure can sometimes save a tooth from removal, particularly when a tooth breaks near the gum line. By exposing more of the tooth’s structure, it may be possible to place a crown over the remaining tooth. This can help the patient avoid the extensive costs and potential upkeep of replacing it.

“Gummy” Smile:
Esthetically, a balanced smile typically shows the front top 6 or 8 teeth. Arching each tooth, there is generally minimal gum tissues showing, and sometimes none.

A gummy smile, in the periodontal specialty, is known as EGD, an abbreviation for excessive gingival display or a gingival smile (GS). The trait occurs more often in females than in males. (Gingival is of or relating to the gums.)

For individuals who have a “gummy” smile, it can be seen as a personal trait that many feel is a positive part of their individuality. A famous gummy smile is that of Katie Couric, who shares hers openly and beautifully.

However, not everyone with this trait feels comfortable with the look nor the way it makes them feel when smiling. Some people tend to suppress smiling fully. Others conceal their smile with a hand when smiling fully or laughing or “hold back” by smiling with their lips only.

A periodontist can determine the proper amount of gum tissue for your individual smile and provide contours that are natural and flattering to teeth. Because a periodontist is respectful to the care of tender gum tissues, they are the go-to of many general dentists when it comes to ideal and gentle treatment. This also helps in minimizing healing time.

Receded Gums:
Another procedure a periodontist expertly performs is gum grafting. This is often performed to cover exposed roots, reduce further gum recession, protect vulnerable tooth roots from decay, and improve your smile. Recession can occur as a result of periodontal disease, which causes tooth roots to become exposed and makes the teeth look long.

Gum tissues are very tender tissues with many nerves. Procedures that involve the gums must be performed with precision to minimize discomfort and speed healing time. A periodontist excels in the skills to create an optimal outcome with the most conservative treatment needed.

Replacing Teeth:
When tooth loss has occurred (whether from gum disease, an accident, or due to genetics), our Western NC periodontal dental office also works with a number of dentists in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants.

With over 40 different implant systems, the one suited best for you depends on factors that an experienced dental specialist takes into consideration. His or her skills in placement – achieving optimal angles and depths – helps to maximize treatment outcomes while enhancing comfort.

Patient Comfort:
Patient comfort has always been a high priority in our our Asheville periodontal practice. We are widely known for an environment of compassionate and respectful care and understand that over 70% of the adult population have some level of dental fear or anxiety. After all, we would want such an approach to care for ourselves and our loved ones.

For optimal comfort and relaxation, we offer several sedation options, including oral and IV sedation.

• Oral sedation is a pill that helps patients relax. It also has an amnesiac effect, leaving most with little or no memory of treatment afterward.

• I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”) places the patient in a deeper sleep state and erases memory of the procedure. It is administered by a Medical Doctor (MD) who is a board certified Anesthesiologist.

With both sedatives, patients are closely monitored with advanced safety equipment throughout treatment.

In addition to advanced skills, our Asheville periodontal dental office is known for utilizing some of the industry’s most advanced technology, including LANAP Protocol using PerioLase MVP-7. This laser efficiently and effectively treats periodontitis (advanced gum disease). It causes very little or no discomfort and has a quick recovery time. This laser has also been found to stimulate bone regrowth in damaged areas.

Affordable Treatment:
We believe that every individual can live a happier, longer life with a healthy smile they enjoy sharing. If financial constraints are holding you back, ask about our easy payment plans. Most of these break treatment fees into monthly payments that are manageable to most budgets. They are interest-free and require no down payment.

Get the coming year started with your smile goals achieved! Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation or exam at our Asheville periodontal dental office. Our friendly staff can help you arrange this private time together and will make you feel welcome.