Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments Waterloo
There are many reasons why the gums and jawbone may require corrective treatment, including periodontal disease, trauma and birth defects. Periodontal disease particularly, can greatly disfigure the natural appearance of the gums and teeth and give the smile an unaesthetic appearance.
New “cosmetic surgery” procedures are now available in periodontics in Waterloo, which effectively correct cosmetic problems and restore natural beauty to the smile.
Here are some of the most common gum and jawbone corrective treatments:
Common Gum Treatments
- Crown lengthening (gum lift) – Crown lengthening is usually performed to correct a “gummy” smile, or to expose more of the tooth prior to a restorative surgery. In some cases, the teeth look short and stubby and partly covered by gum tissue due to genetics or gingivitis. Excess gum tissue can easily be removed to reshape the outline of the gums, expose the natural tooth length, and provide a fuller, more attractive smile. The same procedure is also an excellent way to create a more aesthetic gumline for dental crowns and other restorative procedures.
- Gum grafts – Gum grafts are generally performed to correct a crooked smile, or to restore symmetry to the gumline after periodontal disease has been treated. Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede; making the smile look overly “toothy.” During a gum graft, a thin strip of tissue is removed from the palate and stitched in place over the recession site. Gum grafts are often used to re-contour the gum line and give the teeth a more pleasing appearance.
- Pocket reduction surgery – Periodontal disease can cause the smile to be marred with unattractive teeth, brown gums and ridge indentations. The aim of pocket reduction surgery is to clean the root surfaces of the teeth subgingivally (beneath the gum line). During this procedure, tartar, plaque and bacteria that are affecting the teeth and gums will be removed. The gum is first gently separated away from the tooth, and then the calculus (tartar) and plaque are removed using special ultrasonic and hand instruments. An antimicrobial liquid may be administered to the area to destroy bacteria colonies and ensure the pockets are given the chance to naturally heal. Pocket reduction surgery is an effective way to restore health to the gums and bone.
Common Jawbone Treatments
- Sinus augmentation – This procedure is usually performed prior to the placement of dental implants, to ensure that the prosthetic teeth are both functional and firmly affixed to the bone. The success of an implant hinges on the quantity and quality of the jawbone to which it will be attached. If the jawbone has receded or been injured, a sinus augmentation can slightly elevate the sinus floor to allow new bone to form. Generally, a small incision is made in the bone and the underlying space is packed with grafting material. The incision is sutured closed, and the implant will be placed when healing has occurred.
- Ridge modification – Ridge modification procedures are used to treat deformities in the jawbone which have occurred due to periodontal disease, trauma or birth defects. Birth defects particularly, can leave an unattractive indentation in the jaw, which makes placing dental implants difficult. During the ridge modification procedure, the gum is gently pulled away from the bone to fully expose the defect. The defect is filled with bone graft material or a similar synthetic product and then sutured closed. When healing occurs, the cosmetic appearance of the jaw is much improved and implants can be successfully placed where necessary.
- Bone grafts – There are a wide variety of reasons why a bone graft may be necessary. Bone grafting thickens the jawbone to allow for the successful placement of implant anchors. Bone grafts can also help elevate the sinus floor, fill craters or deformities in the jawbone itself, or allow for successful nerve repositioning. The grafting material may be harvested from the lower jaw, the iliac section of the pelvis, or synthetically created. In most cases, a small opening is made in the jawbone and packed with the bone graft material. Sutures are placed and restorative treatments are performed when healing is complete.
If you have questions or concerns regarding Gum or Jawbone corrective treatments please ask your dentist.
What to Expect From Gum and Jawbone Corrective Care
Gum and jawbone corrective treatments address what dentists call the periodontium — the gums, the bone supporting the teeth, and the ligaments connecting them. When this foundation is healthy, teeth stay solidly in place; when it loses health, teeth become loose, drift, or are eventually lost. Corrective care covers a range of procedures, from focused cleaning under the gum line to surgical reshaping of gum and bone contour to restore both function and appearance.
Care usually starts with an evaluation. Your dentist measures pocket depths around each tooth, takes x-rays to check bone level, and looks for visible signs like recession, swelling, or bleeding. Findings determine whether you need non-surgical treatment (scaling and root planing), surgical treatment (pocket reduction, grafting, regeneration), or a combination of both, plus what frequency of follow-up maintenance will protect the result.
Treatment is staged across visits when multiple procedures are needed. Non-surgical care often comes first to bring active disease under control, with surgical procedures planned several weeks later if needed. Healing between phases is monitored, and the plan is adjusted based on how you respond. Most patients are surprised by how much improvement is possible even with significant initial gum or bone issues.
When Corrective Treatment Is Recommended
Gum and jawbone corrective care covers a range of issues. Common indications include:
- Periodontal disease with pocket depths of five millimetres or more not responding to non-surgical treatment alone
- Receding gum tissue exposing tooth roots and causing sensitivity or aesthetic concerns
- Inadequate keratinized (attached) gum tissue around teeth or implants
- A 'gummy smile' showing excessive gum tissue when smiling, often correctable with gum reshaping
- Uneven gum line creating asymmetric appearance of teeth
- Bone loss around teeth or planned implant sites needing regeneration or grafting
- Failed dental implants needing assessment and possibly replacement
- Wisdom-tooth or other extraction sites needing socket preservation to maintain bone for future implants
- Pre-prosthetic procedures preparing the gum and bone for new crowns, bridges, or dentures
- Chronic gum infections (periodontal abscesses) requiring drainage and management
Each case is individualized. Your consultation includes the specific findings on your teeth, the proposed sequence of treatment, the cost, and an honest discussion of what realistic outcomes look like for your situation.
Recovery and Long-Term Maintenance
Recovery depends on what was done. A scaling and root planing visit usually involves mild gum tenderness for a day or two, with home care continuing as normal. Surgical procedures (pocket reduction, grafting, bone regeneration) involve more recovery — typically mild to moderate swelling and discomfort for two to three days, sutures removed at one to two weeks, and full healing over weeks to months depending on what was performed.
Aftercare instructions are specific to each procedure and given in writing. Common themes: soft diet for a week, gentle home care with prescribed rinses, no smoking, no straws or vigorous spitting for the first week, and sleeping with the head slightly elevated for the first few nights. Follow-up visits at one week, one month, three months, and six months track healing.
Long-term maintenance is the single biggest predictor of how well corrective treatment holds up. Patients usually move to periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months (rather than the standard six months) for the first year or two after corrective treatment. These visits include thorough cleaning above and below the gum line, monitoring of pocket depths, and updates to home care. With consistent maintenance, results typically hold for many years.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Corrective treatment cost varies enormously with the procedure: scaling and root planing is among the lower-cost periodontal services, while major bone regeneration or full-mouth surgical treatment is at the higher end. Trillium follows the current Ontario Dental Association Suggested Fee Guide for periodontal procedures, and we provide a written estimate at the planning visit with each phase costed separately.
Most private dental insurance plans cover periodontal procedures, though coverage levels and annual maximums vary widely. Scaling and root planing is typically covered well; major surgical procedures may have lower coverage rates. We submit pre-determinations to your insurer before treatment so the breakdown is clear. CDCP covers periodontal services within its annual benefits framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum surgery painful?
The procedures are done under local anaesthetic, so there is no pain during the surgery itself. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild to moderate for two to three days and managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Sedation options are available for patients who would prefer it for procedural anxiety.
Will my gums grow back?
Lost gum tissue does not regenerate on its own. Grafting procedures can rebuild gum tissue around teeth where recession has occurred, with good long-term success when home care and lifestyle factors support healing.
How long until I see results?
Some improvements are immediate (smaller pocket depths after a deep cleaning), while bone and tissue regeneration takes three to nine months to fully develop. A follow-up periodontal exam at six months after treatment shows the durable result.
Can I avoid losing teeth with this treatment?
Often yes, when treatment starts before disease has progressed too far. Periodontal disease that is caught and treated in moderate stages typically stabilizes with consistent care, and teeth can be kept long-term. Severely advanced cases may not be salvageable for all teeth, in which case the plan shifts toward extraction with replacement options.
Do I need surgery, or will deep cleaning be enough?
Many cases respond well to non-surgical treatment (scaling and root planing) alone. Re-evaluation six to eight weeks after deep cleaning shows whether pocket depths have improved enough or whether surgical treatment is the next step. Your dentist will not recommend surgery without that evaluation first.
What if I smoke?
Smoking significantly reduces success rates for all periodontal procedures because nicotine restricts blood flow to gum tissue and slows healing. Quitting before treatment dramatically improves outcomes. We do not refuse treatment for smokers, but we are honest about the reduced predictability and the value of stopping if possible.