Dr. Edward H. Chappelle, D.D.S.

Yes, receding gums can be repaired in most cases. The procedure is to remove gum tissue from an inconspicuous area of your mouth and attach it to the area where the gum has receded. This is called a graft. They don't always work, though.

Yes, surgery can fix overgrown gums. However, the cause of the overgrown gums should be determined first, so as to help it from reoccurring. The tissue can be removed with a scalpel, or with a laser. Laser removal tends to be less painful, and heals faster.

It all depends. After a single tooth implant you can eat regular food in about a week, however, try to avoid the surgical site. If you have an immediate implant prothesis, such as an All on X fixed bridge, you will be restricted to a soft diet until you get the permanent bridge or denture, typically 4 to 8 moths.

Replacing a missing tooth with an implant is a great option. Once the surgery is done, the typical recovery time is about a week. In most cases, it is an in and out surgery, and you can resume your normal routine in a day or two. What you are restricted with, is eating. The usual time before a tooth can be safely placed on top of the implant is 3 to 6 months. Most surgeons prefer at least 4 months

Dental sealants are an extremely conservative way of preserving natural tooth structure in a site of incipient (very early) decay. If it has been determined that the decay has not worked its way to the layer under the enamel, a well placed sealant may be okay. If the decay is more extensive, then, the decay should be removed and the cavitated area repaired with a good restorative material.

There are several different types of crowns. Zirconia crowns are one of the newer materials and hold up very well. The color can come close to the color of your natural teeth. An alternative, is an all metal crown, be it gold alloy, titanium alloy, or another alloy. They all work well and are almost indestructible, however they are not esthetic. Then there is the porcelain fused to metal crown which can also be esthetic. The issue with this type of crown, like gold alloy crowns is that they can wear if you have a grinding habit.