ridge augmentation is a dental surgical procedure that rebuilds or reshapes the jawbone ridge (alveolar ridge) where teeth are missing. It is commonly used to prepare a site for a dental implant or to improve the support for other restorations. It typically involves adding graft material to increase bone width, bone height, or both. It may be performed at the time of tooth extraction or months after a tooth has been lost.

ridge preservation is a dental procedure performed after a tooth is removed to help maintain the shape of the jawbone and gum tissue. In plain terms, it is a way to “support the socket” so it heals with less collapse. It is most commonly used in extraction sites where an implant or a natural-looking replacement is planned later. It can also be used to help keep future denture or bridge fit more predictable.

implant site development is a group of dental procedures used to create or rebuild the bone and gum foundation for a dental implant. It is commonly done before an implant is placed, or at the same visit as implant placement in selected cases. It may involve adding bone graft material, using barrier membranes, and shaping the soft tissues for a stable implant site. It is used in general dentistry and specialty care (periodontics and oral surgery), especially after tooth loss or extraction.

peri-implant soft tissue management is the planning and clinical handling of the gums and mucosa around dental implants. It focuses on creating a stable, cleanable seal and a natural-looking contour around the implant crown. It is commonly used during implant placement, healing, and restoration (when the final crown is made). It may include surgical steps, prosthetic steps, or both, depending on the case.

A lingual frenectomy is a procedure that removes or releases the lingual frenum (the band of tissue under the tongue). It is commonly performed to address restricted tongue movement, often referred to as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). Dentists, oral surgeons, and some other clinicians may use it as part of functional, speech, feeding, or orthodontic care. The specific technique and setting vary by clinician and case.

labial frenectomy is a dental procedure that removes or releases a labial frenum (the small band of tissue connecting the inside of the lip to the gum). It is most often discussed around the upper front teeth, but it can also involve the lower lip area. The goal is typically to reduce unwanted tension on gum tissue or to address spacing and hygiene challenges. It may be performed by general dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons, or other trained clinicians, depending on the case.

A frenectomy is a dental or oral surgery procedure that removes or releases a frenum (also called a frenulum). A frenum is a small band of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. frenectomy is commonly used when that tissue limits normal movement or pulls on the gums. It may be performed by general dentists, pediatric dentists, periodontists, orthodontists, or oral surgeons.

crown lengthening for aesthetics is a dental surgical procedure that reshapes the gum line (and sometimes the supporting bone) to show more of the natural tooth. It is most commonly used to reduce a “gummy smile” or to correct uneven gum heights around the front teeth. The goal is to create a more balanced tooth-to-gum proportion while keeping the tissues healthy. It may be performed by a general dentist with surgical training or by a periodontist (gum specialist), depending on complexity.

lip repositioning (perio) is a periodontal (gum-focused) surgical procedure used to reduce a “gummy smile.” It works by repositioning the inner upper lip tissues so the lip sits lower when you smile. It is most commonly discussed in periodontal plastic surgery and esthetic dentistry. The goal is usually to show less gum tissue above the upper front teeth during smiling.

gummy smile correction describes dental and facial treatments used to reduce how much gum tissue shows when a person smiles. It is commonly used when the teeth look “short” or the gumline looks prominent, even if the teeth are healthy. Depending on the cause, it can involve gum reshaping, tooth-lengthening restorations, orthodontics, or facial muscle management. It is used in cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, and sometimes oral and maxillofacial surgery.