Meet our patient AK. She presented to our office with the chief concern “My teeth are uneven, yellow and too long. I’m also losing my gum. Can you fix this?”
Dr. Anderson completed minimally invasive soft tissue grafting for AK in a single hour and a half appointment under IV conscious sedation. AK returned to her nursing job 2 days later and reported minimal downtime and discomfort. Note the more proportional tooth length and more esthetic gingival (gum) symmetry reached after her tissue was moved down to cover the roots.
Tissue is now thicker, stronger, and more resilient.
Dr. Anderson allowed 3 months for the tissue to mature before the general dentist placed conservative veneers to correct the shape and color of her teeth. AK loves her new healthier and more aesthetic smile!
Please see above for before and after photos for our patient AK!
Gum Recession, Tooth Length, and Aesthetic Imbalance: What’s Really Happening?
Many patients—like AK—first come to us thinking their teeth are simply “too long” or “too yellow.” But often, what they’re really seeing is gum recession. As the soft tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, more of the root surface is exposed, leading to an aged appearance, sensitivity, and imbalance in the smile.
Gum loss can be caused by genetics, inflammation, trauma from brushing, or past orthodontic treatment. Left untreated, it can compromise not just esthetics, but also the stability and health of your teeth. That’s why treating the foundation first—the gums—is so critical before addressing color or alignment with restorative treatments.
At Anderson Periodontal Wellness, we help patients understand that beautiful dentistry begins with biologically healthy tissue. For AK, this meant restoring her natural gumline before her dentist ever touched a veneer.
Biologic Gum Grafting: Gentle, Precise, and Predictably Beautiful
AK’s treatment was completed in a single visit using biologic soft tissue grafting—an advanced, minimally invasive technique Dr. Anderson is known for. With microsurgical precision, Dr. Anderson repositioned and reinforced AK’s gum tissue using the body’s own natural healing biology, all while ensuring AK was comfortable under IV conscious sedation.
This type of tissue repair not only improves the smile immediately—it builds long-term protection against further gum loss and inflammation. As the new tissue matured over the following weeks, it became stronger, more resilient, and better suited to support a beautiful final result.
Our goal is to regenerate—not just cover—the gumline, using gentle techniques that work with your body, not against it. And that’s why AK’s outcome looked natural, felt stable, and healed with very little disruption to her life.
A Smile Transformed: From Foundation to Finish
After AK’s gumline had fully matured, her general dentist placed conservative veneers—carefully designed to refine the shape and shade of her teeth. Because the gum tissue was now healthy, symmetric, and biologically strong, the veneers could be bonded with confidence, ensuring long-term success and natural harmony.
This partnership between periodontist and general dentist reflects Dr. Anderson’s collaborative, multidisciplinary philosophy—treating the patient as a whole and building beautiful smiles from the inside out. Whether it’s veneers, implants, or laser gum therapy, we always begin with the biology of healing and the foundation of health.
Are You Seeing Signs of Recession or Discomfort? We Can Help.
Gum recession doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right treatment approach, most patients can regain both the health and appearance of their smile—without invasive surgery, long downtime, or unnatural results. If your teeth look longer, your gums are pulling away, or you’re unhappy with your smile’s balance, we encourage you to schedule a personalized consultation.
Like AK, you may be surprised how quickly, gently, and beautifully your smile can change.
Schedule your consultation today! Anderson Periodontal Wellness proudly serves patients in Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Birmingham, Ferndale, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, and throughout Oakland County, Michigan.
