Your Gums And Your Smile
Your smile is one of the most important features you have but your gums also play a factor in its appearance. Your gum placement can affect how your smile looks, as well as your speech since extra gum tissue can lead to tongue-tie.
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, Dr. DeQuattro can help improve your smile’s appearance with our gum procedures. Learn how our procedures can help achieve your smile goals and keep your oral health at its optimal. We’re proud to provide services to Westerly and Wakefield, RI as well as Washington County, RI areas.
What Are Gum Procedures?
Gum procedures consist of removing excess gum tissues that negatively affect your ability to eat and speak, and your smile’s appearance. With our gum procedures, we can help you achieve your smile goals. On top of improving your smile, gum procedures help prevent complications from oral issues happening in the future.
Benefits of Receiving Gum Procedures
When you choose to undergo a gum procedure, you can enjoy a variety of benefits including:
- Restored ability to speak and eat
- Restored movement in the mouth
- Improvement in your smile’s appearance
- Prevention of serious consequences such as TMJ disorder
Frenectomy
Frenectomy (also known as tongue-tie surgery) is a procedure that removes or repositions a portion of the gum tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums (the frenum). A gap between the upper two front teeth may be caused by this extra tissue. Removing the frenum may allow the gap to close, stabilize teeth, and help the tongue to function properly.
Frenectomies are recommended for all ages but specifically, Dr. DeQuattro highly recommends the procedure for young patients who are struggling to swallow and whose tongues aren’t moving the way they’re supposed to. Adults can also undergo this surgery if they’re experiencing any of the following:
- Tightness or shortness of the frenum
- Soreness in the jaw
- TMJ Disorder
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- Limited movement in the mouth
Fiberotomy
Fiberotomy is a procedure that helps your teeth stay in position after orthodontic treatments like braces. This procedure helps release tiny fibers that cause the teeth to turn or rotate significantly. Patients whose teeth have a high degree of rotation before orthodontic treatment may need a fiberotomy to prevent relapse.
It’s common for a dentist to perform a fiberotomy just before the braces are removed or soon after. However, retainers will still need to be worn as prescribed by Dr. DeQuattro in order to maintain the teeth’s new position.
Gingivoplasty
Gingivoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that may be performed separately, or often at the same time as a frenectomy or fiberotomy. This procedure removes or sculpts excess gum tissue to uncover normal tooth surfaces, thereby correcting a “gummy smile.” It can also help to balance uneven gum heights for a more symmetrical appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fiberotomy procedure painful?
No! A fiberotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that cuts excess gum fibers and allows them to heal with less tension on the new teeth’ position. Dr. DeQuattro will administer local anesthesia to numb the surgical area before starting the procedure. Any pain and discomfort after the procedure can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications.
If you continue to feel any pain and discomfort, contact our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule an appointment. Our dentists will work with you and prescribe medications to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Will my dental insurance cover my gum procedure cost?
The cost of your fiberotomy or frenectomy depends on factors established in your treatment plan. The cost of your gingivoplasty may or may not be covered since it’s considered a cosmetic treatment. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider beforehand to learn about your coverage plan.
If the insurance coverage isn’t enough, we also offer flexible payment plans as well as FSAs and HSAs that can be used to construct your payment plan. If you have any questions concerning your insurance plan or flexible payment plan, contact our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264. One of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Want a Natural-Looking Smile?
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, Dr. DeQuattro and our skilled dental team can improve your smile while keeping your health in mind. To learn more about our gum procedures or to schedule an appointment with Dr. DeQuattro, contact our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264. You can also fill out our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.
We’re proud to provide services to Wakefield and Westerly as well as the surrounding areas including Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, and Weekapaug, RI.