Everyone desires to have the perfect smile. This plays a considerable role in how you feel about yourself. However, dental conditions like a gummy smile can affect your smile and confidence. A gummy smile refers to extra gum tissues covering part of your teeth. Fortunately, you can correct this with a cosmetic dentistry surgery known as a gum lift or gum contouring.

If you’re in Tampa, FL, and its surroundings, Dalton Dental can help you feel happier, more comfortable, and more confident about yourself with a gum lift surgery. Keep reading to know more about this procedure and who can benefit from it!

Gum Lift Surgery and Gum Contouring Explained

Gum lift surgery is a cosmetic surgery performed by a dentist to reshape an uneven gum line. The dentist removes excess gum tissue and creates an appearance with more or longer symmetrical teeth. This procedure is also called gum gingivectomy, gum recontouring, or gum sculpting. You may also consider a gum lift as part of crown lengthening and pocket reduction procedures.

Your dentist will perform this procedure in their office while you’re under local anesthetic. It takes one to two hours to complete and is considered safe, with recovery time taking less than a week for minor procedures.

What Does Gum Lift Surgery Entail? 

A gum lift surgery is a three-step process that involves consultation, surgery, and recovery. Here’s a breakdown of these procedures:

Consultation 

Before the gum contouring procedure, Dalton Dental in South Tampa, FL, will schedule an initial consultation to understand your needs and expectations. This may be followed with photographs of your smile to create your treatment plan. Your dentist will also perform a dental exam to rule out any oral health condition, such as gum disease and cavities, that may compromise the surgery.

The dentist will also check the gum-to-tooth ratio to evaluate and determine how much tissue will need to be removed.

Finally, they will also assess your lip position, facial bone, structure, and tooth wear to understand your dental symmetry.

Gum Lift Surgery Process

The gum lift surgery starts with administering a local anesthetic to numb your gums. You may opt for sedation to keep you more comfortable, which will be discussed during your initial consultation. The dentist will then perform the procedure by following these steps:

• Mark the location for your new gum line using a special pen
• Remove excess tissues with a handheld laser
• Depending on your teeth’s anatomy, there may be some bone removal as well
• Reshape the remaining gum tissues to achieve the uniform look you desire

Recovery 

It’s common for your gum to swell or feel tender immediately after a gum lift surgery. Your dentist may recommend some over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain. You should also avoid spicy and crunchy foods and follow your dentist’s directions on brushing your teeth during healing.

Who is Gum Lift Surgery For? 

A gum lift is usually considered by people with gummy smiles who wish to improve their smile. Gum lift surgery may also be a part of periodontal procedures such as pocket reduction and crown lengthening. Some benefits of a gum lift surgery include the following:

• It creates an even gum line and a balanced gum and teeth ratio
• It’s changes are permanent
• Has a short recovery period
• It boosts your oral health since it makes it easier to clean your teeth

Gum Lift & Contouring in Tampa, FL 

If you’re unhappy with how your gum line affects your smile, ask us about the possibility of a gum lift surgery. This cosmetic procedure will help you remove the excess gum on your teeth, create the perfect teeth-to-gum ratio, and improve your smile.

At Dalton Dental, we can help you with that dream smile you’ve always wanted. Dr. Hilary Dalton has a wealth of experience in this and other cosmetic dentistry procedures that will help you improve your smile.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post What is a Gum Lift? appeared first on Dalton Dental.

Your oral health is invaluable, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Not only does good oral health support the beautiful smile that we all strive for; it also protects the health of your entire body. 

The condition of your gums impacts the health of your entire body. Gum disease can increase your risk of various medical complications and diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. So by taking good care of your gums, you can support your overall health and longevity. 

At Dalton Dental, we use the pinhole gum graft technique as a solution to receding gums. This technique is minimally invasive, making it faster and less painful than traditional gum graft methods. If you’re experiencing gum pain, swelling, bleeding, or tooth sensitivity, consider visiting our office for help restoring the health of your gums. 

What Is a Gum Graft, and When Is It Necessary?

A gum graft is a periodontal procedure in which healthy gum tissue is placed over a part of the teeth with little to no natural gum tissue. Gum grafts are commonly needed by patients with gingival recession, or receding gums, to preserve their oral health. 

In cases of gingival recession, a gum graft may be needed to cover the exposed teeth roots and correct pockets between the teeth and the gums. Bacteria can build up in these pockets and eventually turn into plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar can increase the likelihood of tooth decay, infections, and periodontitis, or advanced gum disease.

What Does the Gum Graft Procedure Entail?

As mentioned above, we use the pinhole gum graft technique here at Dalton Dental. This method uses advanced dental technology to simplify the gum graft procedure, making it minimally invasive — no sutures or scalpel required!

The pinhole gum graft technique starts with your dentist poking a hole in the receding gum tissue. A special tool is then placed inside of the pinhole to stretch the gum to the optimal position. To ensure that the gum tissue stays in place so that additional healthy gum tissue can develop, your dentist will place a small collagen strip into the pinhole. 

This gum graft method is far faster and more comfortable than soft tissue grafting while providing natural-looking results that last a lifetime. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dalton today to learn if this procedure could benefit your oral health. 

Didn’t answer your questions? Need more information? Give our experts at Dalton Dental a call at (813) 872-8300, and we will be happy to help! You can also Schedule an appointment online.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Why Are Gum Grafts Necessary? appeared first on Dalton Dental.

Receding gums is a common dental problem caused by several things, including simple aging. Sometimes, receding gums are caused by overzealous dental hygiene, such as brushing too long, too vigorously, or too often.

But no one knows the cause of your receding gums when they look at you. They only know that your teeth look too large, which can make you very self-conscious. Receding gums are also bad for your teeth because they increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay.

What is Gum Graft Recovery?

A gum graft is a common procedure to remedy receding gums. If the cause of the recession is known and treated, a gum graft can repair the damage already done. If the recession is likely to continue, its cause should be found and treated before a gum graft is attempted. Otherwise, it will not be successful.

You will have a slight recovery period when you have a gum graft. Although you won’t need to take time off work (unless you need good diction to perform your duties), your mouth will still need time to heal. Here are the main things you should know about your gum graft recovery.

Antibiotics

Your dentist may prescribe some antibiotics for the first week to 10 days of your recovery. Infection is a big concern when dealing with the mouth, and a gum graft opens the door for such an infection. The antibiotics will help keep you healthy while you heal. If you take medications or have medication allergies, you must tell your dentist so that they can prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.

Ice and Rest Are Important

You will have some swelling and potentially bruising when you first have your procedure. Ice will help with both, and resting as much as possible will help speed up the healing process.  Your dental team will provide clear instructions on resuming your regular activities.

Be Careful About What You Eat

Bland, room-temperature foods that require little chewing are best during the first few days after your procedure. Unrefrigerated applesauce, pudding snack cups, and soups allowed to cool are good choices.

Of course, when you come to us for your initial dental exam and x-rays, we can tell you at Dalton Dental if a gum graft is right for you and what to expect. We are here for you throughout the process to ensure you have the best, most beautiful smile possible. Contact us today for an appointment.

Schedule an appointment online or call (813) 872-8300 to restore your oral health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post What To Expect During Gum Graft Recovery appeared first on Dalton Dental.

This month we’re talking all about the health of your gums! You might not realize it, but your gums are actually really important to your overall oral health. If your gums aren’t healthy, your mouth isn’t healthy! Periodontal (gum) disease and other dental issues can lead to advanced tooth decay and tooth loss. 

But gum disease isn’t the only reason for receding gums, and poor dental hygiene isn’t always the cause of gum disease. Here are some of the most common causes of receding gums that Delton Dental recommends you look into.

Gums can recede with age

The rest of your body is affected by aging. Why wouldn’t your mouth be affected as well? Sometimes gums can start to recede simply due to age. If you have certain genetics and/or have a blood relative with receding gums, it is much more likely that this will be the case for you, too.

Aggressive dental care

How aggressive are you with your brushing habits? You should be brushing your teeth with firm strokes without excessive pressure. You should also only be brushing your teeth two to three times per day for two minutes per brushing session. If you brush your teeth more than this or if you brush too hard or too fast, it can cause significant damage to your gums.

Dental hygiene mistakes

You could fully believe that you are doing everything right and still have poor dental hygiene. A surprising number of people do not know the proper way to take care of their teeth. You must have a good regimen of brushing, flossing, and using a therapeutic mouthwash, but you also have to know the proper way to do those things. If you’re not sure if you’re brushing or flossing properly or if you don’t know if you’re using the right mouthwash, we are more than happy to teach you. We can also schedule more frequent cleaning appointments to meet your needs.

Side effects of medications or symptoms of certain medical conditions

There could be a medical explanation for your receding gums. If your dentist suspects this is the case, they should refer you to your doctor for further evaluation. Some medications have horrendous side effects on your teeth, and most pharmacists and doctors fail to mention these side effects specifically. Some medical conditions can also lead to dental problems such as receding gums.

If you have receding gums and don’t know the cause, contact us today for an evaluation appointment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Why are My Gums Receding? appeared first on Dalton Dental.

There are a lot of different treatments available for different types of dental issues. While most of those treatments were developed over the course of decades, they are often now outdated when used alone. Although the traditional methods of dentistry are still very much alive today, they are now being combined with gum laser dentistry. Here is how this special treatment works and how it can benefit you.

For the most part, lasers aren’t going to be an exclusive treatment. Rather, these lasers are used to enhance the procedures that dentists have already been using for over a century. The laser treatment is completely safe, and your recovery and pain will be significantly reduced.

No sutures required

The dentistry laser emits some heat, which doesn’t necessarily cauterize the small wound, but it does promote blood clotting and eats away all bacteria so that it clots faster and heals faster. This also means that there is less bleeding.

Anesthesia might not be needed

Depending on the procedure you are having done and what role the laser will play in your dental treatment, your dentist may not even need to use anesthesia, even for procedures that typically call for it. This is because the laser is so comfortable and pain-free that patients find they are perfectly at ease. 

Decreased risk of infection

The mouth is home to a lot of healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Using a therapeutic mouthwash when brushing or between teeth brushing sessions can help keep that bacteria and debris in check, but they aren’t going to be helpful in decreasing the risk of infection with a wound from dental work. When a laser is used, you don’t have to worry about the potential for infection. Very few patients of gum laser dentistry have experienced an infection.

Less damage to surrounding soft tissue

There is a lot of soft tissue in your mouth that can be easily damaged. Your dentist, no matter how talented, is going to be unable to guarantee no damage of surrounding tissue, including not just other teeth and parts of the gum but the inside of your cheek, etc., as well. However, laser dentistry dramatically reduces these risks, and most procedures are successful with no other tissue damage.

Wondering if your dental treatment can be handled with dentistry lasers? Contact us today for more information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Benefits of Gum Laser Dentistry appeared first on Dalton Dental.

Do your teeth seem to be getting bigger? Do you always seem to be grinning like a horse in pictures you’re not prepared to snap? These problems might not have anything to do with your teeth at all. It could be an issue with your gums, and if left untreated, you could be looking at tooth loss sooner than later. Dalton Dental can provide you with some answers. 

Receding gums is the most common reason for a gum graft.

Receding gums is usually caused by advanced periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. Another cause is grinding or clenching our teeth, as it places stress on the teeth and attached tissue. The recession of the gums can make the teeth look larger, but it doesn’t just look bad, it can also expose the roots of your teeth, causing decay and potential loss of the tooth.

What is a gum graft?

A gum graft is the only effective treatment for receding gums. Like a skin graft, a traditional gum graft takes tissue from your mouth and attaches it to the gum where it is weak or more recessed. In this case, the tissue is going to come from other parts of your gum or the roof of your mouth.  BUT WAIT!  The gum lift technique offered at Dalton Dental is most often less invasive and does not require two surgery sites, and usually no stitches.  It’s truly a lift for your gums instead of moving tissue from another location in the mouth, Dr. Dalton is able to move the tissue and guide it to heal to a pleasing appearance.  The gums firm up and help keep the teeth in alignment. 

Why would I need to get a gum lift?

There are many other reasons you might need a gum lift, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Hormonal changes, such as menopause or andropause
• Diabetes
• Tobacco use
• Teeth grinding
• Genetics/family history

Often you won’t have any indication that there is a problem until the area becomes sensitive from root exposure that must be treated with a gum lift or graft. The best way to prevent that from happening and keep other treatment options open is to get a regular checkup every six months.  Call us today to schedule your checkup!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post What Is a Gum Graft, and Why Is It Done? appeared first on Dalton Dental.

Your gums can recede for a few different reasons, but the most common is periodontal (gum) disease. Some medications, tobacco use, and other factors can increase the risk and speed up the process. While you can never grow back the gum tissue that you lose, the tissue loss can be stopped and kept at bay.

Why you should care about receding gums

Even if the receding of your gums is not advanced enough to cause comment, you should still care about receding gums. The job of your gums is to hold your teeth in place and provide them with stability. If the gum is decreased or gone completely, there is nothing holding in your teeth and they will fall out, usually at the root. Receding gums can also cause infections and abscesses in the mouth.

Root Planing and Scaling

Your dentist has probably suggested root planing, root scaling, or both due to the severity of gum tissue loss or bacteria development. These two procedures are very similar, safe, and rather painless. The root planing and scaling is done in our office in conjunction with a laser. The laser also removes pockets of debris and bacteria that could cause the problem to return if untreated.

How laser dentistry helps us help you

Our laser dentistry equipment and expertise allows us to treat your whole body in the way it was meant to be treated. The laser makes the other procedures that you have to address receding gums look like a joke, mostly because these methods are both faster and less painful. Laser dentistry also reduces bleeding and downtime, as well as reducing the risk of dry sockets and other dental complications.

If you would like to work with a dentist who understands your situation, contact us or call us 813 872-8300 today for an appointment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Combat Receding Gums with Gum Rejuvenation appeared first on Dalton Dental.