Gum Levels

Irregular Gum Levels

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.

Short lateral tooth, with low gum	Gum made level with adjacent teeth so normalcrown could be placed
Irregular gum levels with short, chipped teeth	Following gum recontouring and crowns

Clinical Case

Regardless of the beauty of the crowns or veneers, unless the gum line is contoured in a pleasing manner, the esthetic results will be poor. Scalloping the gum to a pleasing form is generally very easy for the patient, with minimal post-operative discomfort. The general dentist should wait for 12 weeks before the final crowns are completed, to ensure the gum has healed to its final level. If the patient feels the teeth look too long during the healing phase, temporary crowns can be made.

Pre-operative view. Note short teeth and irregular gum contour	Desired shape of tissue determined on model of patient's teeth
Desired tooth form is waxed on model,and a plastic stent made	Plastic stent placed over teeth prior to surgery as a guide
Tissue recontoured to desired position and sutured in place	Stent placed after scalloping to confirm proper contouring
Post-op tissue healing	Final restorations in place