Cosmetic periodontal surgery is an advanced set of dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of your gums and smile. These treatments can correct issues like a “gummy smile,” uneven gum lines, and exposed tooth roots by reshaping gum tissue or adding grafts where needed. In Arlington, MA, skilled periodontists and dentists offer procedures such as crown lengthening (gum lifts), gum grafting, and gingival contouring to enhance smile aesthetics. As the American Academy of Periodontology notes, periodontists are often considered the “plastic surgeons of dentistry,” trained to provide cosmetic periodontal procedures that restore both function and beauty to your teeth and gums. Unlike routine gum treatments that focus on disease, cosmetic gum surgery is elective and aimed at sculpting healthy gum tissue for a more attractive smile.
A thorough gum examination is the first step before planning any cosmetic periodontal treatment. Dentists check the gum line and tooth exposure to identify areas for improvement. Periodontal evaluation begins with checking your gum-to-tooth ratios. For example, if your teeth appear short because of excess gum cover (a gummy smile), your dentist may recommend crown lengthening to remove the extra tissue. If roots are exposed due to recession, a gum graft might be needed. These procedures are typically performed by periodontists or dentists with advanced training in cosmetic periodontal surgery. The goal is a balanced, proportional smile: more visible tooth enamel and a symmetrical gum line.
Cosmetic periodontal surgery encompasses several key treatments.
The most common include:
Crown Lengthening (Gum Lift): This procedure removes excess gum (and sometimes bone) to expose more of the tooth crown. AAP explains that crown lengthening involves removing extra gum tissue so “more of the crown of the tooth” shows, which can correct a gummy smile and improve symmetry. In practice, dentists make small incisions around the affected teeth and reshape the gum and possibly bone. In Arlington, clinics report that a gum lift can often be done in one visit with laser technology to “trim excess tissue”. Aside from cosmetic reasons, crown lengthening is often necessary to properly fit a new crown or restoration that extends below the gum line.
Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy): Also known as gingivoplasty, this reshapes the gum line for evenness. In this simple procedure, a dentist trims away surplus gum tissue so teeth appear the correct length. WebMD notes that gum contouring usually requires only local anesthesia and can be done in a single office visit, with gums healing very quickly. During contouring, “only excess gum tissue that extends down over the enamel” is removed, carefully avoiding the roots. The result is immediate: a more balanced smile with healthy-looking gums.
Gum (Soft Tissue) Grafting: When gums have receded (pulled back) and exposed tooth roots, a graft is placed to cover those roots. This reduces sensitivity and improves appearance. The American Academy of Periodontology explains that “gum graft surgery … cover exposed roots, to reduce further gum recession, protect vulnerable tooth roots from decay, and improve your smile”. In practice, a periodontist takes tissue (often from the palate) or uses donor material and secures it over the affected area. Local Arlington dental sources describe grafting as “placing a small amount of new tissue in an area where … gum tissue currently exists,” typically indicated for areas of significant recession. Soft-tissue grafts restore a healthy gum line and help protect teeth.
Bone/Ridge Augmentation (Alveoloplasty): Sometimes after a tooth loss or extraction, the bone and gum can develop a dip or depression. Ridge augmentation fills in this defect with bone graft material to create a more natural gum contour. The AAP notes that ridge augmentation “recaptur the natural contour of the gums and jaw,” which is important for both appearance and for future tooth replacement (like implants). In summary, augmenting the ridge prevents a sunken look and supports a smooth gum-tooth transition.
Many practitioners now use laser gum surgery for some of these procedures. A dental laser allows precise, bloodless cuts with minimal trauma. The image below shows a patient wearing protective orange eyewear – such glasses are used when soft-tissue lasers are in operation
Lasers can “trim” gum tissue quickly and often speed healing by sealing small blood vessels. For example, clinicians in Arlington report that laser gum lifts “can often be accomplished in a single visit, with a reduced risk of excess bleeding”. Lasers may be used for gingival contouring, crown lengthening, or to remove diseased tissue, always under local anesthesia so the procedure is painless.
Laser technology is often used in cosmetic gum surgeries. Patients wear protective eyewear during the procedure, which allows precise gum reshaping with minimal bleeding or swelling.
Cosmetic periodontal procedures offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. By reshaping the gums, these surgeries can dramatically improve smile proportions and confidence. For instance, removing excess tissue in a gummy smile exposes the enamel, making teeth appear longer and more even. The result is a more harmonious tooth-to-gum ratio that looks natural and appealing. Many patients report a boost in self-esteem after treatment because their smiles look healthier and more attractive.
Besides aesthetics, there are important health advantages. A more open gum line can make brushing and flossing easier, reducing plaque buildup. As one expert note says, cosmetic surgery “can make it easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of future periodontal disease”. Covering exposed roots with grafts not only hides an aesthetic problem but also protects roots from decay and sensitivity. In effect, the cosmetic improvements often yield lasting oral health gains.
Good candidates for cosmetic gum surgery are patients with specific gum-related concerns.
These include:
Gummy Smile: If a large portion of your teeth is hidden by gum tissue, you may consider crown lengthening. Some people have “gummy smiles” where the gums cover excess tooth area; trimming these back can reveal the proper tooth size.
Uneven or Overgrown Gums: Periodontal treatment or medication can sometimes leave gums asymmetrical or bulky. Gum contouring evens out the margin, making teeth look uniform.
Receding Gums: If gums have pulled back (gum recession), especially asymmetrically, grafting can restore tissue. Patients with visible roots or sensitivity from thin gums often benefit from soft-tissue grafts.
Before surgery, the dentist ensures that your overall oral health is good. You should not have active, uncontrolled gum disease or cavities in the target area. Typically, a consultation with a periodontist will involve a complete evaluation of bone levels, tooth position, and gum health. As the dentist will explain, these procedures are most successful when your teeth and bone are healthy enough to support the changes. Otherwise, any gum issues (like infection) will be treated first.
Each cosmetic gum surgery is tailored to the problem and patient. The first step is a comprehensive exam, including X-rays or digital scans. This ensures the dentist or periodontist has a detailed map of your jawbone and can plan how much tissue to remove or add. Next, the dentist will outline the surgical plan and explain sedation or numbing options. Most procedures are done under local anesthesia, though nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or oral sedation can be offered for anxious patients.
On the day of surgery, the process is usually straightforward:
Anesthesia: Local anesthetic completely numbs the area. You remain awake but comfortable.
Tissue Reshaping: Using either a scalpel or a specialized soft-tissue laser, the dentist removes or sculpts gum tissue. For example, in crown lengthening they may make small incisions around a tooth and peel back the gum to trim bone or tissue to the desired level. In gum contouring, only the excess gum is shaved away over the enamel.
Grafting (if needed): If gum grafting is part of the plan, the dentist will take a piece of tissue (often from the palate or a donor source) and suture it over the exposed root. This creates new attachment and covers the root surface.
Finishing Touches: The remaining gum edges are smoothed for symmetry. Laser use can cauterize as it cuts, which helps minimize bleeding. In many cases, “the laser heals as it works,” often eliminating the need for sutures.
Typical treatment time ranges from about 30 minutes to a couple of hours per area, depending on complexity. According to local providers, a standard crown-lengthening case might take around one hour. The patient in the image below is shown during a laser procedure; the dentist holds a fiber-optic laser tool at the gum line. The protective eyewear is necessary for any laser use.
After the procedure, your gums will be immediately reshaped. If sutures are used (more common with grafts), they are usually dissolvable and will fall out on their own. No matter the method, modern techniques ensure minimal discomfort. As noted in clinical reports, “most surgical patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is” and find recovery easier than expected. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient to manage any soreness. You can learn more about Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery by visiting the American Academy of Periodontology’s.
Healing time for cosmetic periodontal surgery is generally quick. Most patients see initial improvement within 1–2 weeks, and full tissue healing in a month or so. You will likely experience some mild swelling or tenderness, but thanks to laser technology many report “little to no bleeding” during and after surgery. Dentists often list laser benefits such as “little to no swelling, no stitches, precision removal, very little discomfort, and greatly reduced healing time”.
During recovery, your dentist will advise specific instructions:
Soft Diet: Eat soft, mild foods for a few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that can irritate the gums.
Oral Hygiene: Keep up good oral hygiene gently. Usually you can resume brushing (very carefully) after 24 hours, but your dentist may suggest avoiding the treated area for a short time. Antibacterial rinses (like chlorhexidine) may be prescribed to keep the area clean.
No Smoking or Alcohol: These can slow healing and increase bleeding, so avoid them for at least a week.
Follow-up: You will have a follow-up visit to check healing. If sutures were placed, most are self-dissolving; if not, the dentist will remove them (often after 1-2 weeks).
Patients often report minimal pain after the numbness wears off. As one expert note explains, “post-op discomfort is generally mild,” especially with lasers that “heal as they work” and may eliminate the need for any sutures. Any remaining soreness can usually be handled with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. By the end of the second week, most patients can see the final shape of their new gum line, and they enjoy improved comfort when cleaning their teeth.
The cost of cosmetic periodontal surgery varies widely based on the procedure complexity, number of teeth involved, and technology used. No exact price is standard, but patients should expect several hundred to a few thousand dollars per treatment area. For example, Boston-area clinics have reported approximate fees of $800–$1,200 for a crown lengthening and a similar range for a gum graft. Laser treatments might cost extra, while simpler gingivectomies may be less expensive. Your dentist will provide a personalized estimate after the consultation.
Insurance coverage depends on the purpose of the surgery. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary (for example, to allow a crown to fit properly or to treat diseased gums), insurance may cover part of the cost. However, if it is considered purely cosmetic – done only to enhance appearance – most dental plans will not pay. As a general guideline: “If it’s considered purely cosmetic (just to improve appearance), insurers often don’t cover it”. Always check with your dental insurance provider and the clinic’s billing staff. Some practices offer financing or dental plans to make the treatment more affordable.
Arlington patients have access to several experienced practitioners for cosmetic gum surgery. Periodontists and cosmetic dentists in the Boston metro area (including neighboring Belmont, Cambridge, and Boston) perform these services. Locally, for example, Arlington Dental (part of Congress Dental Group) advertise gum lift and contouring services, often highlighting laser procedures. Arlington Dental periodontists also offer gum grafting, crown lengthening, and pocket reduction.
To choose the right provider, look for a specialist with advanced periodontal training. The ADA and AAP recommend seeking a board-certified periodontist or a dentist with extensive experience in gum surgeries. Reviewing before-and-after photos and patient testimonials can help gauge results. You can also ask local dentists for referrals. Organizations like the American Academy of Periodontology provide searchable directories to find qualified periodontists in Massachusetts. Good questions to ask your potential surgeon include: How many similar procedures have you performed? Do you use lasers or conventional methods? What kind of results can I expect?
People in the Arlington area often search for terms like “best periodontist Arlington MA” or “gum contouring Arlington”. In online reviews, well-rated periodontists such as those affiliated with local clinics may come up. Remember, high-volume keywords aside, personal comfort and communication with your dentist are key. A thorough consultation is essential to create a smile plan tailored to your needs.
What is cosmetic periodontal surgery? It’s a set of elective procedures aimed at improving the appearance of your gums and smile. Common techniques include crown lengthening (gum lifts to reduce a gummy smile), gum grafts (to cover exposed roots), and gum contouring (to even out the gum line). These procedures make teeth look more proportional and attractive.
How does cosmetic gum surgery differ from regular gum treatment? Regular periodontal care focuses on treating gum disease and infection (for example, scaling and root planing). Cosmetic periodontal surgery, on the other hand, is elective and designed to enhance smile aesthetics by reshaping healthy gum tissue. In some cases, a procedure can do both (for instance, crown lengthening can help clean a tooth and also expose more of it for appearance).
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic gum surgery? Typically, anyone bothered by excess or uneven gum tissue can consider it. Common candidates have a “gummy smile” (excess gingival display), uneven or overgrown gums, or root exposure from recession. Your dentist will check that your teeth and bone are healthy and that you do not have uncontrolled gum disease or cavities before proceeding.
What are common cosmetic periodontal procedures? The main ones are crown lengthening (exposing more tooth by removing gum tissue), gum grafting (adding tissue to cover roots), and gum contouring (reshaping the gum line). These can be done with scalpels or lasers. For example, esthetic crown lengthening and root coverage (grafts) are key procedures listed by periodontists.
How long does the recovery take? Most patients heal in about 1–2 weeks. You may have some swelling and mild discomfort during the first few days, but it’s usually manageable. Dentists typically advise eating soft foods and using gentle oral hygiene during this time. By about two weeks, the final shape of the gums is usually visible.
Is cosmetic gum surgery painful? Thanks to local anesthesia and modern techniques like lasers, the procedure itself is usually painless. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild. In fact, lasers can minimize pain, bleeding, and swelling – “the laser heals as it works” – often eliminating the need for stitches. Any soreness afterward can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will insurance cover cosmetic periodontal surgery? It depends on the case. If the surgery has a clear medical benefit (for example, exposing a tooth for a crown or treating diseased gum pockets), insurance may cover part of the cost. However, if it’s done purely for cosmetic reasons (improving appearance), most dental plans do not cover it. Always check with your insurer and the dentist’s billing office.
How much does cosmetic periodontal surgery cost in Arlington? Costs vary by procedure and complexity. As a rough guide from Boston-area data, expect around $1,000 per tooth for crown lengthening and a similar range for soft-tissue grafts. Simpler treatments like laser gingivectomy might be a few hundred dollars per area. Your dentist will give a personalized estimate after evaluating your case.
Can cosmetic gum surgery improve my oral health? Yes. For example, removing excess gum tissue makes it easier to brush and floss properly, which reduces future gum disease risk. Covering exposed roots with grafts protects them from decay. So even though the goal is aesthetic, the procedures often have lasting health benefits.
How do I find the best cosmetic periodontist? Look for a periodontist (or dentist) with specialized training in cosmetic gum procedures and significant experience. Search for “best cosmetic periodontist Arlington MA” or “board-certified periodontist Massachusetts” to find top-rated providers. Check their qualifications, patient reviews, and before/after photos. Many Boston-area periodontists (for example, those practicing in nearby Belmont or Boston) have extensive experience with smile-enhancing gum surgeries.
What exactly is cosmetic periodontal surgery?
It refers to dental surgeries that improve the look of your gums and smile, such as gum lifts, gum contouring, and gum grafts. These procedures correct issues like a gummy smile or visible roots, yielding a more balanced and attractive gum line.
Who needs cosmetic gum surgery?
People who are unhappy with how their gums look are candidates. This includes those with excess gum tissue covering their teeth (gummy smile), uneven or overgrown gums, or significant gum recession exposing tooth roots. A dentist will assess your oral health to make sure you’re a suitable candidate.
What are the benefits of cosmetic gum surgery?
Besides a more symmetrical and attractive smile, benefits include easier cleaning around teeth and protection of exposed root surfaces. Correcting a gummy smile lets more of the tooth show, often making teeth appear longer and the smile brighter.
How painful is the recovery?
Discomfort after cosmetic gum procedures is generally mild. Anesthesia or lasers ensure the surgery itself is painless, and any soreness afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Lasers in particular tend to reduce post-op pain and bleeding.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients heal within one to two weeks. During this time, you may have some swelling or tenderness. By about two weeks, the gums have usually settled into their new contour. Complete healing (full tissue maturation) can take longer, especially for grafts, but the visible results appear much earlier.
Can cosmetic gum surgery reduce tooth sensitivity?
Yes. Procedures like gum grafting cover exposed roots, which often reduces sensitivity to temperature and protects roots from decay. By reinforcing the gum line, grafts help insulate teeth that had become sensitive due to recession.
Will dental insurance cover cosmetic periodontal procedures?
Typically, only if the surgery is deemed medically necessary. For example, if the surgery is needed to access a tooth for a crown or to treat disease, insurance may pay a portion. If the procedure is considered purely cosmetic, insurance usually does not cover it.
What is the cost of gum contouring in Arlington?
Costs vary based on the procedure and clinic. In the Boston area, crown lengthening runs roughly $800–$1,200 per tooth and gum grafts are in a similar rang. Laser contouring or gingivectomy may be a few hundred dollars per tooth. For an accurate figure, a local dentist’s office can provide an estimate after evaluation.
How do I choose a periodontist for cosmetic surgery?
Look for a board-certified periodontist or an experienced cosmetic dentist with specialized training. Check their qualifications and patient reviews. It helps to review before-and-after photos of similar cases. Also ensure they use modern technology and gentle techniques. Local dental associations or the American Academy of Periodontology can refer qualified specialists.
Are the results permanent?
Cosmetic periodontal surgery results are long-lasting if you maintain good oral hygiene and avoid factors that damage gums (like tobacco use). Once gums are reshaped or grafted, they generally remain in place. However, gum tissue can change over time, so regular dental check-ups and care are important for lasting results.
Cosmetic periodontal surgery offers a transformative solution for individuals looking to improve the appearance and health of their gums. Whether you’re dealing with a gummy smile, receding gums, or an uneven gum line, procedures like crown lengthening, gum grafting, and laser contouring can restore symmetry and confidence to your smile. These treatments not only enhance aesthetics but can also support long-term oral health.
If you’re in the Arlington, MA area and considering cosmetic gum surgery, consult with an experienced periodontist or cosmetic dentist to explore your options. Top Arlington MA dentist available at Arlington Dental, 43 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474. (781) 641-0500. We’ll help you discover if veneers are the right solution for your unique needs — and bring your dream smile to life.
