Irregular gum levels detract from an attractive smile. Even with new crowns, the results can never be satisfactory unless the gum has a natural contour. This may be as simple as changing a single tooth, or may involve all the upper front teeth.

When is Gum Treatment indicated?
There are several ways to improve appearance of gums. Some people do not feel comfortable to smile because they are not satisfied with their gum appearance. It is possible to reduce the size of the gums, increase it by creating a new gum or even to equalize their size.

Most common cosmetic problems involving gums are:
• Gum excess/gummy smile
• Uneven gum line: when the line that meets the tooth has different sizes.
• Receding gums: this situation might leave roots exposed, which can result in pain and sensitivity.
• Red and swollen gum appearance: usually caused by infection.

What kind of cosmetic periodontal treatments are available?
• Gum excess/gummy smile: the gum will be reduced through surgery. This procedure might leave some gaps between teeth, which can be filled with Veneers, Replacement Crowns or Bonding.
• Uneven gum line: surgical correction of gums. Might be combined with Replacement Crowns, Veneers or Bonding. 
• Receding gums: new gum will be made through grafting techniques. Tooth and gum will look more proportional.
• Red and swollen gums: gums will be restored to its healthy condition and color; swelling will also be reduced. Some patients present red and swollen gums due to poorly fitting crowns. In these cases, crowns should also be replaced. 

Who is a Candidate for Cosmetic Gum Surgery?
If you believe you have "Gummy Smile" (small crown length), gum recession "long teeth", an uneven gum line due to "short teeth", gum loss or gums which appear to be collapsing (from missing teeth), dark or black areas between bridges, implants, crowns or teeth, or tooth sensitivity from receding gums.

Gum Treatment - The Surgery
The periodontal surgery will be performed under local anesthesia, in order to minimize pain and discomfort. Following the treatment, pain relievers might also be prescribed. A little swelling is expected, which can be minimized with an ice pack. The patient might also feel sensitivity to hot and cold, which should improve in a few days. Following treatment, the patient will notice an improvement in gum appearance, which can be seen in a healthier and more proportional smile.

To Correct a "Gummy Smile"
Cosmetic gum surgery can be done to reduce the excess gum and bone. The removal of these tissues allows for normal sized teeth and for a normal gum line appearance by using an instrument, usually a laser, to remove the undesirable tissue. Typically your cosmetic dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day for a two-week period following your surgery.

To Correct a "Long Tooth Smile"
As your gums recede, your teeth look much "longer" than normal. Such gum recession exposes your sensitive root surface which often makes hot or cold foods and drinks a painful experience. Teeth can become loose as your gum recedes. The cosmetic gum surgery solution is basically when a cosmetic dentist or periodontist removes tissue from the roof of your mouth and then grafts it onto your gum line. This tissue then reinforces thin gums or fills in areas where your gums have receded. Typically your cosmetic dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day for a two-week period following your surgery.

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Advantages:
Healing is usually quick and your more youthful and beautiful smile is obvious early on. It has been reported that cosmetic gum surgery additionally improves the health of your gums. The procedure to correct receding gums may even reduce your tooth sensitivity to cold or hot foods or beverages while protecting your roots from decay and lessening further gum shrinkage.

Disadvantages:
Cosmetic gum surgery is of course, surgery. Surgery is often performed in segments under a local anesthetic - unless your entire mouth is undergoing this procedure at once, then a general anesthesia is typically used.

What else you should know about Gum Treatment?
Most cosmetic gum problems might appear as symptoms of Periodontal Disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums, more specifically, periodontal tissues. There are two types of periodontal disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis. In case of Gingivitis, only gums are affected, and if not treated, might lead to Periodontitis. Periodontitis is much more severe than Gingivitis and might also affect the bone and the periodontal membranes. Periodontitis is a destructive infection and in case of affecting the bone, might result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be caused by poor dental hygiene, puberty, pregnancy, medical conditions such as diabetes, smoking and regular use of birth-control pills and heart disease medication. 
Periodontal disease symptoms are: bleeding gums, bad breath, teeth loss, gaps between teeth or change of position, receding gums and discolored teeth due to plaque or calculus (tartar).