Some people find their smile has just too much gum and not enough tooth. When gums are extended far down on the surfaces of the teeth, less tooth enamel shows, so the teeth seem short. There is not necessarily anything wrong with this, from a health standpoint, but from an aesthetic point of view, it is good to know that an improvement can be made.

Because the crown of the tooth ends up longer, this type of cosmetic dentistryprocedure is often called “crown lengthening.” Some other terms are “gum lifting” and “gum sculpting.” All these phrases refer to the same thing.

What Causes Uneven Gums?

There are a variety of reasons why you may have a gummy smile. In some cases, it may be a symptom of a related medical issue. Certain prescription medicines can also cause your gums to be either too high or too low. Of course, it could just be genetics, too.

However, a significant cause of uneven gums is gum recession, or when the gums begin to move away from the tooth, exposing its root. Not only will this make your teeth seem unusually long, but it can also cause further dental issues and may be a symptom of periodontal disease. If your gums are receding, it’s essential to have them checked out by a periodontist to protect against any gum, bone, or teeth deterioration.

Do You Have to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Many people have no problems when their wisdom teeth erupt and don’t need to have their wisdom teeth pulled. Even so, many dental professionals will recommend having your wisdom teeth pulled if you experience the following scenarios:

Experiencing wisdom tooth gum pain:

This pain can be a sign of infection that can occur from partially erupted wisdom teeth. When food and bacteria get trapped in these areas, it can lead to a very painful infection known as pericoronitis. Having your wisdom teeth pulled in this case will prevent further infection.

Wisdom teeth coming in crooked:

If your wisdom teeth come in fully, but come in sideways, they can cause your teeth to shift and move over time. There is also a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth can damage the nearby teeth. Once you have your wisdom teeth pulled, your nearby teeth will be protected from damage.

Cyst forms on wisdom teeth:

This occurs when the sac next to the tooth becomes filled with fluid. When this occurs, it can destroy the surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots. In rare cases, an untreated cyst can lead to a tumor that may require a more serious surgical procedure.

While wisdom teeth surgery may not sound like much fun, removing wisdom teeth is a very routine procedure that can help ensure the long-term health of your mouth and teeth. Removing wisdom teeth often is the best option for avoiding painful complications that occur when your wisdom teeth don’t come in properly, or become impacted. If your dental professional recently recommended wisdom teeth surgery, you may be concerned or worried about the procedure. While wisdom tooth surgery may sound scary, having your wisdom teeth pulled can often be a better experience than not doing so when you consider the pain associated with wisdom teeth problems. The best way to help prevent this anxiety is to learn all you can about wisdom teeth surgery before your procedure.

Reasons Why You May Need Tooth Removal

No one wants to undergo the tooth removal process, but it is sometimes the best option for your health or appearance. Tooth extraction is generally not recommended for children but may be necessary after the eruption of permanent teeth. Though permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, we suggest tooth extraction services under the following circumstances:

Severe tooth decay

✔Trauma or injury

✔Overcrowding

✔ Infection or risk of infection

✔ Broken tooth

✔ Fractured root

✔ Impaction

✔ Periodontal disease

✔ Cosmetic reasons

✔ Some orthodontic treatments