Use of mucogingival surgical procedures to enhance esthetics

The procedures outlined herein deal primarily with improving esthetics. The importance of esthetics in periodontics is most apparent in patients with a high lip line. Current mucogingival procedures provide the surgeon with the capability to have a major role in the total treatment of complex restorative cases. Periodontal considerations must be included as an integral part of esthetic dentistry. A complete examination of the patient must include a thorough periodontal evaluation. In addition to the usual detection of periodontal pockets and inflammation indicative of periodontal disease, the examination should include a thorough mucogingival evaluation for detection of the following: (1) inadequate keratinized gingiva; (2) gingival recession; (3) excessive gingival display; (4) insufficient clinical crown length; (5) asymmetric gingival margins; (6) flat marginal contour; (7) improper gingival margin relationships; (8) lack of harmony of gingival margins with the lip line; and (9) alveolar ridge deficiencies. Mucogingival surgical procedures should be performed after control of all etiologic factors and in concert with the restorative therapy so that the surgery can produce the most desirable esthetic result. It must be understood that the location and contour of the gingival margin and its relationship to adjacent margins are as important to the final esthetic result as the location, form, and relationship of the incisal margins of the anterior teeth. Attention to the total dental display as framed by the smile, with appropriate mucogingival analysis and treatment, is necessary to achieve the most satisfying esthetic results.