Cosmetic Gum Surgery is a necessity for patients with receding gum lines, loose teeth or too much teeth showing. The surgery involves grafting tissue from other parts of the mouth, normally from the palate area, and then attaching these grafts to the receding gum area with sutures. Most of the time local anesthesia is used, but general may be necessary in the event of extensive surgery.
Myth: Cosmetic Dentistry Won’t Help Much
Fact: Receding gums is a gum disease that can lead to tooth loss when left untreated. Cosmetic gum surgery not only improves your smile, but it also lessons the likelihood of developing further gum disease.
Myth: Your Gums Bleed because You Brush Too Hard
Fact: Your gums should not bleed when brushing your teeth, in fact, bleeding gums indicate they are unhealthy and need attention. In fact, cosmetic gum surgery can often help in cases where severe bleeding occurs when the teeth are brushed.
Myth: Cosmetic Dental Surgery Is Painful
Fact: While there may be some discomfort after a major dental surgery, you will not feel anything during the surgery since it is done under local anesthesia. Pain medication is often prescribed for any pain following the surgery.
Myth: Cosmetic Surgery Will Affect Your Vision
Fact: Vision is not affected in anyway from cosmetic gum surgery--it is unclear where or when this myth began, but it is false.
Myth: Gum Disease Is an Infection and Is Only Minor
Fact: Gum disease is never minor and in fact can lead to other health related issues including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis.
Myth: Cavities Are What Cause Tooth Loss
Fact: Actually, what causes tooth loss is gum disease according to the American Dental Association. Gum disease is more of a concern than cavities.
Myth: Gum Disease Affects Each Ethnic Group Equally
Fact: It certainly can affect anyone, but certain ethnic groups seem more prone to gum disease, including Mexican American and African Americans. These groups are at a higher risk of gum disease, and therefore might need cosmetic gum surgery.
Myth: Professional Cleaning Means You Don't Need Surgery
Fact: While having your teeth professionally cleaned can help fight gum disease, it will not cure gum disease that is already present. Cosmetic gum surgery is normally performed due to periodontal disease or what most refer to as gum disease. It is estimated that 80 percent of Americans have some form of periodontal disease though not all of these people need surgery; this is reserved for those with severer cases.
