Question on gum grafting after veneers and crowns: I am going to a new dentist to ask to have my teeth as close to where they were as before (had 3 crowns on the 6, 7 and 8 and 3 veneers on surrounding teeth...way too much all around) it was originally intended to correct chipping on the 8 and 7 and turned into a nightmare; my current dentist says he cannot move the gumline, that i have accept that part(?) He raised my gums, and now I want the shape and size of my old teeth back and some of my gum line showing...its way too high..and never expected it to be so high. I know this will cost me, but is it even possible? i.e. get the work moving on my smaller preferred teeth and ask about moving the gum line at least a little? Thanks for your help..
Welcome, and thank you for putting your trust in me!Although there are some periodontal gum grafting techniques that can recover small amounts of root coverage after gum recession, their results are somewhat inconsistent and unpredictable. When there are three or more adjacent teeth requiring grafting, a free graft rather than a pedicle graft must be used, and this introduces even more uncertainty as to the result. Therefore, unless you accept the possibility that the surgical outcome may not completely restore the gums to their original position, this technique is not for you.In general, the predominant esthetic liability in gum recession is not the recession per se, but rather the inconsistent level of gum tissue on the front teeth. In fact, having "some of my gum line showing"-- what is commonly referred to as a "gummy smile"-- is sometimes considered a cosmetic liability that is often addressed by intentionally cutting away gum tissue-- a so-called "cosmetic gingivoplasty". I'm not suggesting that your cosmetic preferences aren't legitimate, but it may be difficult if not impossible to restore lost gum tissue, so you may wish to consider the alternative-- cosmetic gingivoplasty on the adjacent teeth that haven't suffered gum recession, so that consistency of gum height and symmetry are restored.I will concede that this will not restore your gums to their original appearance or position, but it will greatly improve the appearance of the gums and teeth. To explore this option, you should consult with a periodontist. To find a periodontist near you, refer to the online directory of the American Academy of Periodontology.Hope this helps...