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Aesthetic Dental Treatments

Dentistry or aesthetic dentistry is the area of dentistry that works to restore dental aesthetics. In short, the resources available to improve the aesthetics of the smile include tooth whitening, dental crowns, resin or porcelain restorations, gum surgery (gingivectomy), and the application of modern dental contact lenses.

A more beautiful, white and harmonious smile is possible thanks to dental contact lenses and other aesthetic resources

Or even after wearing braces, when you want to improve some aspects of your smile, because during treatment you can’t change the aesthetics of your teeth. Modern dental contact lenses are ultra-thin porcelain veneers, suitable for correcting aesthetic problems with the teeth, for example:

Dental contact lenses are bonded to the surface of one or more defective teeth in a safe and non-invasive way. Because the lenses are ultra-thin, installation requires little or no wear on the teeth before they can be bonded.

Learn about the new aesthetic facial harmonization procedures performed by the dentist

Naturalness of dental contact lenses

The lenses are made from porcelain, the best bio-safe material used to make dental prostheses, which is similar to natural teeth in terms of its texture and shade, as well as its translucency.

This way, if the dental contact lens is applied to just one defective tooth, it won’t contrast with the neighboring natural teeth. It is certainly an aesthetic procedure that has come to completely change your smile for the better. At ImplArt, the lenses are designed and made by better computerized systems and 3D printers.

In conclusion, the last stage of the procedure is the preparation of the tooth, the application of dental cement and the bonding of the dental contact lens. Dental contact lenses are very durable, as long as the patient takes care not to bite down on hard objects and makes regular visits to the dental practice. Alternatively, veneers can be made from resin with a lower finish.

Dental Contact Lenses

dental esthetics
Dental contact lenses can improve the aesthetics of front teeth

Porcelain dental crowns for aesthetic purposes

Dental crowns and porcelain blocks can be made in cases of tooth damage such as broken teeth. It is very common for patients with bruxism to need cosmetic treatments as they can lose part of their enamel or even entire teeth due to the force applied to their teeth.

Teeth Whitening

aesthetic dental
Laser teeth whitening for whiter teeth

Gingival Dental Aesthetics Treatment

aesthetic dental
Aesthetic techniques aim to improve the appearance of gummy smiles

Plastic surgery on the gums can improve your dental aesthetics. Improving the appearance should be done in the context of a new dental treatment as it alters the frame of the smile. Gum peeling to remove stains, gum grafting surgeries, and gummy smile surgeries are among the options.

Digital Planning

aesthetic dental
Computer programs help us plan dental aesthetics

Aesthetic restorations

aesthetic dental
Porcelain blocks and porcelain dental crowns

An aesthetic composite resin restoration is a dental aesthetic procedure in which a resin composite material is used to repair or rebuild the structure of an aesthetically compromised tooth.

This technique is often used to correct cavities, fractures or discolorations in order to restore the shape, function and natural appearance of teeth.

During the process, the dentist removes the damaged part of the tooth, prepares the affected area and applies layers of composite resin, carefully shaping them to ensure a perfect fit with the dental anatomy.

The resin is then hardened with special ultraviolet light.

The advantage of composite resin lies in its ability to mimic the color and texture of adjacent teeth, providing an aesthetic and long-lasting end result while preserving the structural integrity of the restored tooth.

Orthodontic treatments

aesthetic dental
Discreet braces to align teeth

Discover more discreet and transparent orthodontic braces to move your teeth without having pieces glued to your teeth.

Dental aesthetics and smile harmony

ImplArt Odontologia has a team specialized in carrying out aesthetic dental treatments, especially the application of dental contact lenses, including model treatments. What’s more, thanks to its own prosthetic laboratory, the best design and manufacture of dental contact lenses can be carried out very quickly, without intermediaries.

The three-dimensional design of the lenses is personalized for each patient, so that the patient can better participate in the process of choosing the shape and shade together with our team.

If you have any questions about the prices of cosmetic dental and gum treatments, as well as planning, please contact our team or come and visit us. We’ll be happy to help you!

Dental implants under sedation for those afraid of the dentist

What is sedation?

Now those who are afraid of the dentist can rest easy. Simple or complex dental procedures can be carried out in a dentist’s office under intravenous sedation. The technique allows the odontophobic patient’s level of consciousness to decrease at the time of the procedure, but does not affect their ability to breathe and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal commands.

It is important to note that the ImplArt Clinic team provides humanized care, in other words, respecting the limits of each patient, so that they can feel welcome and at ease. This applies to simple procedures such as prophylaxis and restorations, root canal treatment and even surgical procedures such as bone grafting or dental implants.

How is sedation carried out?

Before the procedure begins, an anesthesiologist applies a sedative medication intravenously. Dental treatment is then carried out by the dentist. This treatment can be as simple as a prophylaxis or include a dental implant or bone graft. In the meantime, the anesthesiologist remains in the room throughout the procedure or surgery, monitoring the patient and also following their recovery. There is also nitrous oxide conscious sedation, in which the patient breathes in a gas (nitrous oxide). However, at ImplArt we only offer intravenous sedation. We don’t use gas because it doesn’t offer enough reassurance to a patient who is afraid.

Why sedate?

You may be a candidate for sedation if you have odontophobia (fear of the dentist), fear of pain, get irritated by the noise of the motor, don’t like the anesthesia needle, are afraid of the dental office, afraid of blood, dental drills, etc. In this way, the procedure becomes simple for the patient, because when they wake up, all the work has already been done. It also offers convenience, as sedation is carried out in the dental office without the need for hospitalization. Even if conscious during the procedure, the patient doesn’t remember what happened.

Is it a general anesthetic?

Sedation is not general anesthesia. General anesthesia uses more powerful drugs and the patient becomes unconscious, needing the aid of breathing apparatus. During simple sedation, the patient remains drowsy but awake (conscious).

What do you feel during sedation?

Sedation by vein gives the patient a feeling of comfort, as they almost fall asleep but remain conscious. It also makes the dentist’s job easier, as he uses fewer anesthetics and can work more quickly.

What procedures can be done under sedation?

Simple or complex procedures can be carried out. In most cases, the dentist can take the opportunity to carry out several treatments in one day, in what is known as a Dental Day Clinic or Dental Spa. Examples of treatments that can be carried out under sedation are: fillings, cleaning, surgery, dental implant surgery, tooth extraction, wisdom tooth extraction, periodontal scraping, tooth whitening, among others.

Who can do it?

Any patient in good general health can undergo this technique. First of all, the anesthesiologist will check whether you can undergo the procedure, or if there are any restrictions, and may request some tests. Please note: we do not treat children or special patients.

Testimonials

“Excellent clinic and excellent professionals. I had a phobia of dentists, I had implant surgery with conscious sedation and other treatments over a few months and from start to finish I didn ‘t feel any pain. I recommend it 100%” – Alessandra Escobar

“I’m very anxious about going to the dentist and I’ve always avoided it as much as possible. Now it’s been five years without treating my teeth, so I ended up losing some dentures, had a lot of cavities and an episode of pain. Then I came across the ImplArt clinic and this sedation technique. It was very easy to have the treatment this way. The doctor who saw me was very attentive and looked after me until the end of the procedure. I also found that the dentist worked quickly and did some implants and treated the cavities while I was asleep. It was kind of magical, but when I woke up everything was ready, I thought it was great” – M.R.R., businesswoman

If you have any questions, please get in touch or make an appointment with us.

Fear of the dentist can complicate oral health

See the latest resources we use to help those who are afraid of the dentist

Odontophobia (fear of the dentist) is a condition that occurs in a small percentage of patients and can vary in intensity. In milder cases, the patient reports some anxiety and may experience tachycardia, a feeling of panic, excessive sweating, dizziness and even fainting.

In our clinic, we have received reports of patients experiencing tachycardia and perspiration when simply starting a conversation with the dentist. Occasionally, there are cases of odontophobia with atypical symptoms, such as nausea, excessive nauseaand intolerance when touching the mouth.

The team at the ImplArt Clinic provides humanized care, i.e. respecting each patient’s limits so that they feel welcome. This applies to simple procedures such as prophylaxis and restorations, root canal treatment and even surgical procedures such as bone grafting or dental implants.

Fear of the dentist can seriously damage your oral health

Dental treatment for patients with a fear of dentists can be difficult, even for simple procedures such as impressions, cleanings and restorations. In situations of severe phobia, a procedure such as implant surgery or even tooth extractions may be unthinkable for the patient.

As a result of the fear of the dentist, patients often refuse to go to the dentist for years, and as a result, oral problems such as cavities and periodontal infections arise, or even serious problems such as tooth mobility and loss, as well as aesthetic impairment of the smile.

The psychological origin of odontophobia is linked to traumatic episodes (trauma) that have been fixed in the patient’s subconscious, most often since childhood. The phobic patient can be treated with:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Sedation with nitrous oxide – however, in our clinic it has been abandoned because it doesn’t produce good results as it generates very light sedation.
  • Intravenous sedation – the technique is really effective. The patient remains in a state of deep drowsiness during the dental procedure (which can last up to 4 hours). The sedation is administered and monitored by a doctor throughout the procedure.
  • General anesthesia – in extreme cases, where even under sedation the patient still becomes agitated, we can indicate the procedure under general anesthesia in a hospital environment.

Read all the resources for those afraid of dental implants

Due to the inherent difficulty of dental treatment for an odontophobic patient, most of the time we can indicate simpler as well as faster treatments under the Day Clinic system. If you have any further questions or would like to give your testimony, please contact us!

Please note: We do not treat children or special patients.

fear of the dentist can get in the way of oral health care

Testimonials

“Excellent clinic and excellent professionals. I have a phobia of dentists, I had implant surgery with conscious sedation and other treatments over a few months and from start to finish I didn’t feel any pain. I recommend it 100%”

Alessandra Escobar

“I’m very anxious about going to the dentist and I’ve always avoided it as much as possible. Now it’s been five years without treating my teeth, so I ended up losing some dentures, had a lot of cavities and an episode of pain. Then I came across the ImplArt clinic and this sedation technique. It was very easy to have the treatment this way. The doctor who saw me was very attentive and looked after me until the end of the procedure. I also found that the dentist worked quickly and did some implants and treated the cavities while I was asleep. It was a bit magical but when I woke up everything was ready, I thought it was great.”

M.R.R., businesswoman, São Paulo-SP

“I was afraid of dentists, but this clinic gave me confidence and surprised me. Dr. Roberto is an excellent professional, he has a lot of experience and is always trying to learn more and more to be more efficient. I’ve always been very well received. Congratulations to all the professionals at this wonderful clinic, the doctors who are excellent professionals, the receptionists who are always kind and proactive. Thank you especially to Dr. Roberto, Dr. Pedro and Dr. Isabela!”

Karina Nascimento

“Dr. Roberto performed my surgery with great skill and mastery. I felt NO PAIN or discomfort. My recovery was excellent and now I’m going to start the final stage of my treatment. I chose the zirconia crown by scanner, because it’s quick, since I have to finish my treatment soon for a trip.”

Adriana Cardoso

“Anyone who is afraid of getting implants, I’ll tell you one thing: don’t be afraid, it doesn’t hurt at all and the clinic is top of the line. Dr. Roberto, who is the director, is super attentive, Dr. Bruno and Dr. Marcos are excellent professionals, none of the treatments hurt at all. I recommend it to everyone.”

kekeu51

“I was very pleased with the results and with the excellent service provided by the professionals. Dr. Pedro was very careful and attentive to me. Congratulations to the whole team and to Dr. Roberto, an excellent professional, may God bless you all.”

Júlio César Salles

Immediate loading for a single dental implant

Single-tooth implants with immediate loading consist of placing one or a few dental implants and then attaching a fixed prosthesis. This technique is used to reduce the stages of the procedure and allow the smile to be restored more quickly with implants. The tooth is fixed directly to the implant during surgery or within a few days.

The single-tooth implant immediate loading technique makes your treatment faster

In a common procedure, a temporary acrylic tooth is placed in the correct position for a period of one to four months (healing period), depending on the type of implant chosen. Soon after this period, the implant and bone are closer together and the gums are more stable, making it possible to make the molds for the permanent porcelain tooth.

In the case of immediate loading for single implants, the technique is used to rehabilitate just one tooth. This type of intervention is used when the tooth is severely compromised by cavities, periodontal disease, fractures or simply the absence of a tooth (a tooth that hasn’tbeen born).

The extraction of a problem tooth is followed by the installation of the implant and the fixing of an immediate prosthesis by the implant dentist. Even with planning, in some cases there are uncertainties about the use of immediate loading. Some factors cannot be predicted, such as the stability of the implant (insertion torque) and the quality of the bone.

single tooth implant

The technique is particularly suitable for the front teeth, especially the incisors, which require less chewing force. The bottom teeth are not suitable for immediate loading because chewing exerts too much force. Therefore, immediate loading in this area reduces the chances of successful treatment.

To carry out the single implant immediate loading procedure, the patient must be in good health with good oral conditions to facilitate the primary stability of the implant. In addition, favorable bone structure is essential for immediate loading.

Uncontrolled systemic diseases and smoking are factors that should be assessed by the dentist, as smoking reduces the chances of osseointegration.

At-home or in-office teeth whitening?

With the teeth whitening technique, you can achieve a more beautiful smile and get rid of discomfort. Teeth whitening is an ideal option for looking after your dental aesthetics and keeping your oral health up to date.

Many people are embarrassed to take photos, smile or even talk because of their teeth. Yellowing and stains on the teeth cause discomfort and discomfort.

Laser teeth whitening technique

Procedure improves smile presentation and self-esteem

Teeth whitening is a process that removes pigments and stains from tooth enamel and dentin using a special gel enhanced by laser light. Because the treatment is simple, most people can undergo it, and there are even techniques for children as young as 10.

However, in order to better define how whitening will be carried out, the dentist needs to assess each patient individually, looking at details such as the cause of the darkening, age and the integrity and shade of the teeth. However, older age and grayer stains make the process more difficult.

In which cases can the laser teeth whitening technique be used?

Before starting laser whitening, the person needs to undergo a better assessment of the oral tissues, taking into account the teeth, gums, tongue and internal mucosa. As each case is different, there is no whitening standard. In principle, teeth that are yellowed, brown, evenly darkened or with black, brown and yellow stains (as a result of drinking tea, coffee, cigarettes and plaque build-up) are more easily removed.

On the other hand, in cases where teeth are blue in color, have streaks caused by antibiotics or irregular stains, the whitening process is likely to be more difficult. In short, the worst cases are teeth with old endodontic problems and very dark stains. Dentures and restorations are not whitened with this technique.

In addition to the laser whitening technique, home whitening is a better option for those who don’t want to go to the dentist for sessions. It can be done by the patient themselves using a special gel and trays. Learn more about the technique below.

Home teeth whitening technique

Home teeth whitening done by the patient themselves is gaining a lot of followers due to its convenience and practicality, since the person doesn’t need to go to the dentist’s office to have the procedure done. However, it’s worth noting that, even if it’s done at home, the teeth whitening technique can only be recommended by a dentist after an assessment of the patient in consultation.

The technique is indicated for people who want to take care of their dental aesthetics and have stained teeth, yellowish pigmentation or who suffer from old endodontic problems. However, before starting whitening, oral health is assessed, as it must be up to date, with no sores, bleeding, cavities or tartar.

To whiten teeth at home, the patient uses a carbamide peroxide gel with a carbopol concentration of 10%, 16% or 22%. Flexible trays are then used to deposit the gel, which are then fitted to the teeth to start the treatment.

Duration of Whitening Treatment

The home procedure takes between 1 and 3 weeks to complete. The gel can be used in one session lasting 3 to 4 hours. Another option is two short sessions of 30 minutes to 1 hour. Although this technique takes longer to show results than laser whitening, it is considered less aggressive to the patient, as faster treatments can cause temporary side effects.

In addition, the professional must monitor whether the technique is being carried out correctly and, finally, whether the steps are being followed. If you have any questions, please contact us through one of the channels below or book an appointment with us.

There is also teeth whitening that combines both techniques, laser whitening and home whitening.

The combined whitening technique works very well and is considered better than the two others individually. You’ll also like to know about it:

Learn about other treatments for dental aesthetics

If you have any questions about teeth whitening prices, values and techniques, then please contact our team via one of the channels below or come and visit us. We’ll be happy to help you! If you have any questions about price or treatment, please contact us or book an appointment. We’ll be happy to help you!

What are bone grafts?

Bone grafts are techniques to supplement the bone lost in the patient’s jaw. They can be performed simultaneously with the insertion of the dental implant, or require a healing period. Each indication will depend on an analysis of the patient’s case. But rest assured, today’s bone grafting techniques are very modern and painless for the patient. The results are certainly worth it because dental implants are the best solution for restoring missing teeth!

Bone grafts are used to reconstruct the area that has lost height or thickness

In some cases, it is not possible to place dental implants without first doing bone grafts. People who have lost one or more teeth due to accidents or extractions always think about reconstructing their dental arch in order to smile without embarrassment and for this, dental implant placement is certainly an excellent option.

When people lose their teeth and don’t replace them immediately, they experience bone resorption. As a result, the bone in the area becomes thinner and taller, or has defects in its shape. In the upper jaw, the size of the maxillary sinus can increase, which in principle prevents implants from being placed. In addition, with tooth loss, expressions become limited, the mouth shrivels, chewing becomes difficult and speech can also be altered.

In this way , bone grafting serves to rebuild enough structure to allow the implant to be made, restoring the lost volume to the atrophied bone. For this technique, the dentist can use the patient’s own bone material, taken from the mouth (for small reconstructions) or taken from other sites, such as the hip bone (iliac) and skull cap (for large extensions).

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There are different bone grafting techniques, each with its own particularities

In the case of smaller, more common grafts, the bone grafting procedure can be done in the office using local anesthesia. For larger areas, the surgical intervention is performed in a hospital by a larger, multidisciplinary team under general anesthesia. The patient does not lose teeth while the bone graft heals.

It is also possible to use a xenogenous bone graft crystal, when the bone comes from animals (freeze-dried bovine bone – Genox or Bioss), human bone from bone banks (bone transplant) or synthetic vitreous materials (synthetic hydroxyapatite). However, the most easily regenerated material is bone graft taken from the person themselves (autogenous bone).

Types of bone graft materials

The procedure can be carried out in fragments or as a block. Many people are afraid of undergoing a bone graft, but in fact the procedure can be very simple. All the materials are biosecure and undergo strict controls to prevent contamination.

Smaller bone grafts are non-invasive and can be used to supplement the bone around a newly placed implant. However, in people who have lost their teeth many years ago, larger bone grafts may be necessary. ImplArt’s philosophy is to avoid bone grafts and has mastered alternative techniques such as:

Read more articles about dental implants on our Blog

Bone loss: causes

Bone loss can occur for a number of reasons, but the most common is tooth loss or extraction without immediate replacement. When a person loses their teeth, the body resorbs the bone in the maxilla or mandible because it understands that the bone no longer has a function (which was to provide support for the teeth). This loss is progressive and over the years the person has little bone volume in terms of height and width, which at first makes it difficult to place dental implants.

upper arch bone grafts
What are bone grafts?

Maxillary sinus lift or sinus lift

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure for bone grafting in the posterior region of the upper jaw. The aim is to increase the amount of bone in height so that a longer dental implant can be placed.

When a person loses one or more teeth in the upper arch, there is a loss of bone in height and the maxillary sinus shrinks (fig.1). The procedure is carried out in this way: First, a small opening is made in the gum in the lateral region of the bone defect (fig.2).

A variable amount of bone regeneration precursor material is then placed inside this opening (figs.3,4). The surgery is quick and usually takes no more than 30 minutes with an experienced surgeon. Bone regeneration takes between 4 and 9 months (fig.5), and then the implants are placed (fig.6), but radiographic examinations are carried out beforehand to check the progress of bone regeneration.

Materials used in bone grafts

Nowadays we have a variety of materials that can be used for bone grafts in the maxillary sinus:

  • Bovine freeze-dried bone – Genox
  • Autogenous bone (from the person)
  • Synthetic hydroxyapatite (bone precursor)
  • Bone bank homologous bone (bone transplant)
  • Synthetic vitreous materials – Bioss
  • Grafts with biological stimulators such as fibrin (PRF), platelets (PRP), or bone proteins (BMP)

Studies show that all materials are favorable for this type of graft, depending only on the surgeon’s preference.

enxerto_osseo_antes_e_depois_41kb
Bone Graft Before and after
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Bone Graft Before and after – X rays

The ImplArt Clinic has experience in various grafting techniques

Dr. Roberto Markarian, coordinator of Clinica Dentaria ImplArt, is an experienced dental implant specialist with thousands of implants installed. Due to his extensive clinical and surgical experience, he has been able to carry out countless cases of rehabilitation without the need for bone grafting and which had been indicated for grafting by other specialists.

Each case is assessed individually during a consultation. If you have any questions about the price of treatment, values or planning, please contact us or schedule a consultation 📲WhatsApp(11) 3262-4750. Bone grafts are different from gum grafts in terms of techniques and objectives.

Read all about bone and gum grafting

What is dental implant surgery like?

Dental implant surgery is not a complicated process. Certainly, with current techniques, it’s a common procedure with no unforeseen problems. Implant surgery can take as little as half an hour in the simplest cases, is done in the clinic, in the implant dentist’s own office, with local anesthesia and the patient feels no pain.

Here at the ImplArt Clinic, we get a lot of questions from patients, especially about how dental implants are done in practice. So, to answer this and other questions about implant surgery, we’ve prepared this article to answer all your doubts about the treatment.

What is the best dental implant?

Today there are various types of dental implant with different technologies and healing times. There are even implants that heal in 30 days, called fast-healing implants, such as the Slactive implant, from the Swiss company Straumann, which is a fast-healing dental implant. In addition to this implant, there is the option of the ceramic implant, the only zirconia implant available on the market that is titanium-free and more biological, making it an excellent option for those who don’t want to have metals installed in their mouths.

This ceramic dental implant option has been increasingly sought after at Clinica Dentaria Implart by patients who want metal-free implant treatment.

Dental implant surgery can also be performed with intravenous sedation, for those patients who have a phobia of dentists, or even for those looking for extra comfort.

Is it dangerous to have dental implants? Dental implant surgery is a more straightforward procedure than you might think

Dental implant surgery is a safe procedure, and increasingly has more modern resources to make it faster and more comfortable. Here at Clinica Dentaria ImplArt, we have modern systems and expertise.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the implant procedure:

  • Step 1 – The procedure consists of making a small incision in the gum in order to expose the bone bed. The dentist needs to have good access to the area in order to install the implant correctly. If the dental implant surgery is performed with a Surgical Guide, it will be a blunt dental implant surgery
  • Step 2 – Small drills are then used to perforate the bone. The process is carried out in such a way as to progressively expand the cavity so that it can receive the implant of the size selected by the dentist.
  • Step 3 – The implant is then inserted into the cavity and given a protective cap.
  • Step 4 – The area is sutured, or in cases of Guided Surgery, the surgery is completed without the need for stitches.

Are you afraid of dental implant surgery?

Find out what resources are available at the ImplArt Dental Clinic so that you can have a very smooth surgery.

Watch the video below explaining how dental implant surgery is performed:

Como é a cirurgia de implante dentário - dente unitário - Clínica em São Paulo - SP

In the classic implant treatment, the pin is surgically fixed into the bone and then the gum is sutured. The site is left to rest for around one to six months, depending on the type of implant used. The implant screw remains inside the bone tissue and must therefore undergo the osseointegration process, protected from chewing forces and food residue.

Shortly after the waiting period, a small cut is made in the gum and then the implant receives a piece called a healer, this process is called reopening. The implant cap can remain exposed in the mouth while the implant heals. Afterwards, the healer is removed without anesthesia (because it is not necessary), and a metal abutment is adapted to receive the prosthesis.

Recovery from dental implant surgery / after dentalimplants?

During the rest period, the patient can use a temporary prosthesis for day-to-day activities. This also helps prevent bone resorption, which would require the use of bone grafts in the future. In some selected cases, the implant can be inserted without cutting, through a small circular opening made in the gum.

This greatly favors the healing of the area as well as patient comfort. Implant surgery should be performed by a dentist specializing in implant dentistry, who certainly has the experience and knowledge in the field to determine the best treatment for each patient. In order to have a good post-operative period, people who undergo this procedure should follow the dentist’s instructions, take care of their oral hygiene and avoid smoking, which can compromise the success of dental implant treatment.

dental implant surgery
Photo of dental implant surgery showing implant being inserted into bone

After dental implant treatment, it is always important to carry out cleaning and prophylaxis every 6 months, as a way of looking after the results achieved and monitoring oral health.

Get in touch with us to schedule your appointment or ask any questions you may have. We at the ImplArt Dental Clinic are here to help you!

Gum grafting to improve the aesthetics of teeth

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting is used to try and reconstruct an area of the mouth that has suffered from receding or lost gum tissue. Gum recession can occur due, for example, to brushing too hard, gum disease, bruxism or prolonged use of braces. To reduce the effect of the problem, gum grafting is usually indicated.

This is a surgical procedure that consists of removing a piece of mucosa from the patient’s own palate (roof of the mouth) and then placing it over the defect. The material is removed under local anesthesia and the person feels no pain, only slight discomfort.

Update: It is now possible to perform gum grafting without removing gum from the roof of the mouth, using a synthetic material for this purpose.

When healthy, the gums form a protective collar around the tooth. There are two types of gum: the inserted gum, which is a pink, thicker tissue that surrounds the tooth and is adhered to by the bone tissue, and the mucosa (non-inserted gum), a thin, soft and highly mobile tissue that forms the inside of the cheeks and lips. When the gums are unhealthy, we first need to restore their health by removing the bacteria with a periodontal scraping.

Gum defect needs grafting

A gingival defect (receding gums) usually occurs as a result of gum inflammation, caused by a tooth fracture for example. It happens when the gum tissue retracts, almost always due to excessive force when brushing the teeth. The retraction of the gum tissue leaves the tooth root exposed, causing tooth sensitivity and compromising the aesthetics of the teeth. In the case of dental implants, receding gums can expose the base of the implants.

There can also be gum loss due to trauma, accidents or periodontal disease. In these cases, the gums lose their original shape and the aesthetics of the smile can be compromised, especially in the area of the front teeth. In some cases, the placement of dental implants leaves the gums with an inappropriate shape, and this defect can also be corrected with the gum grafting technique.

It is important to note that the gingival grafting procedure does not guarantee success. Even if the procedure is carried out perfectly in terms of technique, there may be tissue necrosis and a consequent loss of the grafted tissue.

gum grafting

After gum surgery

To prevent pain, the patient uses medication (anti-inflammatories) before and after surgery. The dentist can also use “surgical cement”, a protective barrier that is fixed in place where the operation took place. It sticks to the teeth and gums for around five days.

The donor area is not left unprotected after the procedure, as it is sutured (stitched) and this protection helps to maintain its aesthetics and shape, even after a small piece has been removed. Among the main precautions after gum surgery, diet is the most important. The patient should follow the post-surgical recommendations, which are the same as for implant surgery, eating soft, cold food for the first few days to avoid bleeding, infections, and to help with analgesia and healing.

Acidic foods should also be avoided so as not to irritate or sting the gums. As an alternative to gum grafts, prostheses can be made to disguise the aesthetic problem, either with more favorable tooth shapes or with prostheses containing artificial gum. Each case is assessed individually.

If you have any questions about gum grafting, treatments or treatment prices, please contact our team. We at ImplArt Dental Clinic are happy to help you.

Gum surgery: what is it for?

Gum plastic surgery is an option for people who are dissatisfied with their smile and also with the shape and size of their gums, mainly due to the lack of gums.

Gingival plastic surgery and tooth reshaping with composite resin

When they are very apparent, they influence the harmony of the smile and the self-esteem of some people. Gingivalaesthetics influences the smile through its relationship with the teeth, color and thickness of the gums. With this procedure it is possible to correct gum deformities by removing excesses and reconstructing areas that have little gum using gum grafts. The surgery is simple, performed under local anesthesia and carried out in the dentist’s office.

How is gum grafting done?

In general, gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth, such as the roof of the mouth or behind the wisdom teeth. However, today it is also possible to use an artificial gum graft, obtained from pig tissue. After the procedure, the patient is instructed on how to perform oral hygiene for the first few days, as well as the medication they should take (usually antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and painkillers).

cirurgia gengival
Caso a estética da gengiva não esteja ideal há recursos que podem ajudar a aumentar ou diminuir seu volume.

They also receive recommendations on diet, especially to avoid eating foods with potential irritant reactions, such as acidic, very salty or spicy foods. The healing period depends on each case, but total internal gum rehabilitation takes place after six months. Many patients resort to this surgery due to gum disharmony, which can be related to excess or lack of gums.

Can the gums grow?

Growth can be caused by the use of medication such as antihypertensive drugs based on alodipine, anticonvulsants based on hydantoin, and fixed braces associated with poor brushing.

Gum recession or retraction is a change in the position of the gums as the root of the tooth becomes longer and more sensitive. This situation can occur due to strong traumatic brushing, malocclusion, when the bite is overloaded on the tooth with recession, bruxism and periodontal disease.

For this type of correction, gingival grafting may be indicated. The tissue used is taken from the mucosa of the roof of the mouth (palate). Surgery is contraindicated for patients with untreated cardiovascular problems, active periodontal disease, blood problems and mouth cancer.