Gummy Smile and Short Tooth Syndrome - Part 2: Periodontal Surgical Approaches in Interdisciplinary Treatment

Abstract

One of the most frequent causes of gummy smile is an altered eruption, ie, the gingival margins are located at a more coronal position than normal. These cases can be successfully treated with a periodontal surgical approach. Several techniques may be used, depending on the different anatomic variations. The surgery must be carefully planned so as to avoid discrepancies between the soft tissues and the teeth. Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation will allow clinicians to determine the position of the gingival margin, bone crest, and cemento-enamel junction and thus elicit a correct diagnosis of the subtype of altered eruption. The periodontist will need to consider these factors in order to obtain a satisfactory outcome, especially in multidisciplinary cases.