Soft Tissue Treatment with a Soft Touch
Want your gum line to look as stunning as your smile? At Dentistry By Design of Spring Hill, TN, we offer specialized soft tissue treatments to enhance the health and appearance of your gums. Whether you’re concerned about receding gums, uneven tissue, or other issues, Dr. Richard Robinette and Dr. Kyle Humphrey can help.
Call to schedule a consultation at our Spring Hill dental office. Dr. Robinette can help determine the best soft tissue procedure for your needs
Sometimes having too little or too much soft tissue can make you feel self-conscious, can limit essential oral functions, and can even jeopardize your dental health.
Soft Tissue Periodontics Offered at Dentistry By Design
Gum Reshaping
Gum reshaping, also known as gingivectomy or gum contouring, is a precision treatment that involves sculpting and contouring the gum line to create a more symmetrical look. Gum reshaping can balance out a “gummy” smile or misaligned gum tissue.
We use advanced tools and techniques to conservatively remove excess gum tissue. There’s little to no pain since we numb the area beforehand. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you’ll be thrilled with how balanced your smile looks after gum reshaping.
Frenectomy
Oral frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases abnormal frenulum tissue. A frenulum is a band of tissue that secures the tongue, lips, or cheeks. When this band is too restrictive, it can cause various issues:
- Speech impediments
- Trouble breastfeeding
- A gap between front teeth
- Restricted tongue mobility
Releasing the frenulum (frenectomy) restores a normal range of motion.
Gum Recession
Over time, your gums can recede and expose vulnerable tooth roots. Receding gums aren’t just unsightly — they can lead to sensitivity, decay, and tooth loss. Fortunately, we offer gum grafting to rebuild receded gum tissue.
During this regenerative procedure, we take a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth (palate) or use donated tissue. We then surgically place it over the receded gum area to stimulate regeneration. A graft can cover exposed roots, limiting sensitivity and preventing further recession. The new gum line looks perfectly smooth and natural.
Better Oral Health Through Soft Tissue Treatments
Dr. Richard Robinette tailors each soft tissue procedure to enhance the health and aesthetics of your unique smile. With the right treatment, you can achieve:
- Straighter, more symmetrical gum lines
- Less “gummy” smile
- Protection for receding gums
- Relief from gaps, speech issues, and restricted motion
- Increased comfort and confidence
The Soft Tissue Treatment Process at Dentistry by Design
Initial Consultation
You’ll meet with Dr. Robinette and Dr. Humphrey for an evaluation of your soft tissue concerns. He’ll assess your gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue to determine which treatments are right for you. You’ll discuss your goals and options.
Treatment Planning
Based on the initial consultation, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan outlining the procedures. We want you to be fully informed and comfortable with your plan.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
We’ll provide instructions to prep for your procedure. For gum reshaping or grafting, this may include quitting smoking for a period beforehand since smoking impairs healing. For infants undergoing frenectomy, we may recommend exercises to loosen tissue pre-treatment.
Anesthesia
For procedures like gum reshaping and grafting, we numb the area with a local anesthetic. Frenectomy for infants and young children is often done with just topical numbing cream.
Treatment
Once anesthesia takes effect, the soft tissue procedure is performed.
- Gum reshaping involves the precision removal of excess gum tissues.
- Grafting replaces receded gums with donor tissue.
- Frenectomy releases the restrictive frenulum with a scalpel, laser, or surgical scissors.
Recovery
Recovery time is usually rapid. Initial healing takes about two weeks. During that time, temporary sensitivity and soreness are normal. We’ll review post-procedure instructions for keeping the area clean, eating soft foods, using pain relievers, etc.
Follow-up Visits
We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and results. We want to ensure you’re fully satisfied with the improved aesthetics and function.
Maintenance
Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to our Spring Hill dental office help maintain the results of your soft tissue treatment over the long term. We’re here to help you protect your smile investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for soft tissue treatment?
If you have receding gums, uneven gum lines, excessive gingival display, or restrictive frenulum tissue, you’re likely a candidate for one or more soft tissue treatments. Schedule an exam with a dentist to find out which options are right for you.
What is recovery like after soft tissue treatments?
Recovery is quick and comfortable after procedures like reshaping, grafting, and frenectomy. There may be mild postoperative soreness, controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. Within two weeks, you’ll be healed enough to enjoy your improved smile.
How is frenectomy performed on infants?
For newborns and infants, a frenectomy is a very simple, fast procedure. The provider applies topical anesthesia to the area. No shots or drilling is required. They then carefully clip or sever the frenulum tissue using surgical scissors. There may be slight bleeding, quickly controlled through pressure on the area. Recovery usually takes less than a week.
Are lasers used for gum reshaping?
Yes, dentists may use advanced dental lasers for gum reshaping. Lasers allow for precise, controlled removal of tissue with minimal bleeding and fast healing.
Reclaim the Health and Beauty of Your Smile With Dr. Robinette
Don’t let gum recession, asymmetry, or other issues stop you from smiling confidently. The skilled team at Dentistry By Design of Spring Hill offers specialized soft tissue treatments to help your gums look and function their best.
