GUM SURGERY AT DENTAL CENTER OF ATHERTON
Healthy Gums, Confident Smile
Healthy gums are the foundation of a confident smile. Our periodontists restore gum health, protect teeth, and create balance between teeth and gums using advanced microsurgical techniques. We welcome patients from our practice and referrals from other dentists, ensuring seamless coordination and care. Every treatment is tailored to support both long-term oral health and your aesthetic smile goals.
When Gum Surgery May Be Needed
Gum surgery is often the best option when non-surgical treatments can’t fully restore gum health or improve smile aesthetics. Common reasons include:
Advanced periodontal disease not responding to scaling or deep cleaning
Gum recession requiring gum grafting to cover exposed roots
Excess gum tissue (“gummy smile”) corrected with crown lengthening
Uneven gum lines that affect smile symmetry
Preparation for dental crowns, bridges, or implants
Regeneration of bone and soft tissue lost to gum disease
Removal of diseased tissue to prevent further damage
Pocket reduction surgery for easier long-term maintenance
Our periodontal specialists, Dr. Neetal Smith and Dr. Michael Nguyen, provide advanced gum treatments tailored to your needs, whether early intervention or full periodontal reconstruction.
Types of Gum Surgery We Offer
We provide comprehensive periodontal procedures with precision, care and advanced laser techniques:
Pocket Reduction Surgery (flap /osseous surgery): Reduces gum pocket depth to remove bacteria and simplify cleaning
Gum Grafting: Restores lost gum tissue to protect roots and enhance smile aesthetics
Sinus Lift Surgery: Lifts the sinus floor and adds bone for the placement of dental implants
Crown Lengthening: Exposes more tooth surface for restorative or cosmetic needs
Aesthetic Gum Contouring: Reshapes gums for a balanced, proportionate smile
Regenerative Procedures: Guided tissue regeneration, bone grafting, and PRF to promote tissue and bone regrowth
Laser Gum Surgery: Minimally invasive treatment for gum disease and contouring with faster healing
Advanced Technology & Comfort
We use CBCT 3D imaging for precise planning, protecting surrounding structures and shortening procedure time. For your comfort, we offer multiple anesthesia and sedation options:
Local anesthesia
Oral sedation
Nitrous oxide
IV sedation with board-certified anesthesiologist
Our private Atherton treatment rooms and tailored recovery protocols keep you at ease from start to finish.
Your Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by gum surgery procedure:
Day 1–2
Mild swelling or tenderness; follow post-op care closely.
Day 3–5
Discomfort subsides; continue soft diet.
1–2 Weeks
Gum tissue begins to heal; stitches (if placed) may be removed.
1–3 Months
Full tissue maturation and stability.
Personalized aftercare may include PRF therapy or laser-assisted healing for faster recovery.
Why Bay Area Patients Choose Us
Minimally invasive, precise care by expert periodontists
Advanced 3D imaging and technology for accurate treatment
Multiple sedation options for comfort
Expertise in regenerative techniques for lasting results
Seamless coordination with restorative dentistry for comprehensive care
Related Gum Procedures
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Connective Tissue Gum Grafting
Gum grafting restores lost tissue to protect tooth roots and improve aesthetics. Using advanced microsurgical techniques, our periodontists achieve natural coverage, reduce sensitivity, and promote balanced, healthy gums.
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Crown Lengthening for Restorative & Cosmetic Needs
Crown lengthening reshapes gums and bone to reveal more tooth structure for functional or cosmetic goals, such as reducing a “gummy” smile. 3D imaging and minimally invasive techniques ensure even contours and lasting results.
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Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction)
For patients with advanced periodontal disease, osseous surgery reduces deep gum pockets to remove bacteria and reshape supporting bone, making daily cleaning more effective. This helps restore gum health, prevent disease progression, preserve teeth, and support long-term oral wellness.
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Book Your Gum Surgery Consultation in Atherton
Whether treating gum disease, tissue loss, or cosmetic concerns, our periodontal team provides gentle, exceptional care. Patients from Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, and the Peninsula trust us for advanced gum surgery in a private, supportive setting.
FAQs About Gum Surgery
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Not always. We only recommend gum surgery when it’s the most effective way to restore health, function, or aesthetics. Our expert dentists use advanced diagnostics to carefully evaluate whether non-surgical periodontal therapy or less invasive treatments could provide the same results.
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No. Our patients across the Peninsula are often surprised by how smooth and comfortable the process is with our clinical expertise and advance technologies. We use modern numbing techniques, gentle surgical methods, and sedation options to provide comfortable, compassionate care.
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Initial healing usually occurs within 1–2 weeks, while full gum maturation may take several months depending on the procedure. Each patient receives a tailored aftercare plan, which may include anti-inflammatory therapies, gentle rinses, and nutritional guidance to support optimal healing.
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Yes. Beyond treating gum disease, we also perform cosmetic procedures such as gum contouring and grafting to restore symmetry, reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile,” and enhance the balance of your teeth. Many patients notice immediate improvements in their smile’s aesthetics, and many of our Menlo Park and Palo Alto patients have gum surgery as part of their overall smile makeover.
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We understand that surgery can feel daunting. Our dental team provides clear communication, multiple sedation options, and a calm, private environment to ensure a stress-free experience. Many patients even travel from outside the Peninsula and Bay Area for our discreet and comfortable care.
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Yes—when addressed early. Procedures such as gum grafting or connective tissue grafts can cover exposed roots and help protect against future recession. Just as importantly, our doctors treat the underlying causes, whether related to gum disease, bite alignment, or clenching habits.
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We recommend maintaining healthy gums with regular periodontal cleanings, following our personalized home care routine recommendations, using nightguards to protect teeth and gums and potentially making lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
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Yes. We frequently care for patients referred by Stanford-area physicians for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. We collaborate closely with your medical team to ensure treatment is safe, predictable, and effective.
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Call our Atherton practice at 650-474-0551 or contact us online. Our Atherton office is just minutes from Stanford, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto, with easy access from El Camino Real or Middlefield Road and convenient parking.
Our Dental Services
