Osseous recontouring is a dental surgical procedure that reshapes the jawbone around teeth. It is most often used in periodontal (gum) surgery to correct uneven or disease-altered bone. The goal is to create a bone form that supports healthier gum attachment and easier cleaning. It may also be part of procedures like crown lengthening or pocket reduction therapy.

osseous surgery is a periodontal (gum) procedure that reshapes the bone supporting the teeth. It is most commonly used to help manage advanced gum disease by improving bone contour and access for cleaning. It may also be used to adjust the bone level to support restorative dentistry, such as crown lengthening. The goal is to create conditions that are easier to keep healthy over time.

crown lengthening (perio) is a periodontal surgical procedure that exposes more tooth structure by reshaping gum tissue and sometimes bone. It is commonly used to make a tooth restorable when decay, fracture, or an existing restoration extends too close to the gumline. It can also be used for esthetic reasons when gums cover too much of the tooth (“gummy smile”). The goal is to create healthier, more maintainable space for a long-term restoration and stable gum contours.

gingivoplasty is a periodontal (gum) reshaping procedure that recontours the gingival margin for function and appearance. It changes the form of the gum tissue without primarily aiming to remove deep periodontal pockets. It is commonly used in smile design, finishing after orthodontics, and management of gum overgrowth. It may be performed with hand instruments, electrosurgery, or dental lasers, depending on clinician preference and case needs.

gingivectomy is a dental procedure that removes a small amount of gum tissue (gingiva). It is commonly used in periodontal (gum) care to reduce or reshape gum tissue around teeth. It can also be used to improve access for cleaning and to change how the gumline looks. The goal is typically healthier, easier-to-maintain gum contours.

A laterally positioned flap is a gum (gingival) surgery technique used to cover an exposed tooth root. It moves a nearby piece of gum tissue from the side of the affected tooth onto the recession area. It is most commonly used in periodontal plastic surgery for localized gum recession. The goal is to improve root coverage, comfort, and tissue stability around a specific tooth.

CAF is a term used in some dental settings to refer to a composite adhesive filling—an adhesive, tooth-colored resin restoration. It is commonly associated with flowable or injectable composite materials used for small to moderate repairs. CAF is used in restorative dentistry for fillings, sealing, and minor tooth-shape corrections. The exact meaning of the acronym can vary by clinician and documentation system.

A coronally advanced flap is a periodontal (gum) surgery technique used to reposition gum tissue toward the crown of a tooth. It is most commonly used to cover exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession. The goal is usually to improve comfort, reduce root sensitivity, and support gum health around the tooth. It may also be used to improve the appearance of the gumline in selected cases.

An apically positioned flap is a periodontal (gum) surgery technique where the gum tissue is moved in an apical direction, meaning toward the root tip. It is commonly used to increase the amount of “attached” gum, reduce periodontal pocket depth, or create more visible tooth structure for dentistry. Clinicians may use it around natural teeth and, in selected situations, around dental implants. The goal is usually to improve access, stability, and maintainable gum architecture.

open flap debridement is a periodontal (gum) surgical procedure used to treat gum disease by improving access to the roots and supporting bone. A “flap” means the gum tissue is gently lifted back so the clinician can see and clean deeper areas. “Debridement” means removing plaque, calculus (tartar), and inflamed tissue from the tooth and root surfaces. It is commonly used in periodontics when non-surgical cleaning has not provided enough access or improvement in deep periodontal pockets.