Are You Suffering from Painful, Bleeding Gums?
Few people realize the importance of the gums and oral soft tissue when it comes to a healthy smile. In addition to functioning as a biological barrier to keep good bacteria in and dangerous foreign bacteria out, the gums also play a key aesthetic role in helping establish a beautiful, vibrant smile. For over 20 years, Dr. Lance Timmerman and the team at South Seattle Smiles in Tukwila, WA, have been treating oral soft tissue conditions, including common issues such as ‘gummy smiles’ and severe gum disease (periodontitis). We use the latest in advanced laser technology to perform conditions such as frenectomy and gum graft, and this technological approach allows us to treat the affected area, without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
Lasting Benefits of Laser Soft Tissue Treatment
- Restores your self-confidence
- Reduces the risk of oral and physical disease
- Dramatically improves smile esthetics
- Reduces gum recession
- Helps to permanently fix bad breath
- Improves biting, chewing, and swallowing function
- Allows patients to speak easier and annunciate more clearly
Common Soft Tissue Treatments
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a procedure that makes a single tooth or teeth look visibly longer by removing excess soft tissue of the gums. This treatment is often used to fix a 'gummy smile,' and is also commonly performed prior to dental implant surgery to prepare the socket for implant placement.
Peri-Implantitis Treatment
Peri-implantitis is a disease wherein soft tissue surrounding a dental implant has become inflamed. A precision, laser-based approach called LAPIP is the best method of treatment, as it eliminates inflammation at the site of inflammation without damaging healthy surrounding tissue.
Gingivectomy
Gingivectomies are procedures wherein a periodontist cuts away and reshapes areas of the gums. This can be due to infection and bacteria buildup in a periodontal pocket, or to remove excess gum tissue in the event of a 'gummy smile.'
Gum Graft / Gingival Graft
A gum graft is essentially the opposite of a gingivectomy; rather than remove excess gum tissue, it restores gum tissue to parts of the mouth where gum recession has occurred. This is a common periodontal treatment in the event of a receding gum line, and it relocates healthy soft tissue from other parts of the mouth to areas where recession has taken place.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a procedure that cuts away and reduces the frenulum - a small piece of soft tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. This procedure is performed for patients that have difficulty eating, speaking, and chewing due to 'tongue-tie.'
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is an intensive treatment designed to eliminate deep periodontal infection that has reached the bone beneath the gums. This treatment is often used with anesthesia to reduce pain and discomfort.
Pain-Free Treatment With South Seattle's Gum Disease Experts.
Call today to schedule an appointment with our experienced periodontist in Takwila, WA.
