When most people think of oral surgery, they picture wisdom teeth removal or dental implants, but the soft tissues of your mouth matter just as much to your long-term oral health. Oral soft-tissue surgery treats the gums, cheeks, tongue and lips, improving how your mouth functions, how your smile looks and how well your teeth are supported. Tissue can become inadequate for many reasons, including gum and bone (periodontal) disease, forceful brushing or flossing, traumatic injury, orthodontic movement from braces or aligners, previous oral surgery, early tooth loss and systemic conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. At Rockwall Oral Surgery, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Kevin Pollock and Dr. Nathan Dombrowski have the specialized training to perform these procedures safely and precisely. Here are four common soft-tissue surgeries and how each one can help.
Frenectomy for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that loosens the frenum, the small band of tissue that anchors the tongue or lip, to restore a full range of motion. A lingual frenectomy reduces the frenum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and lower jaw. When this band restricts tongue movement, the condition is called being “tongue-tied,” and infants may struggle with nursing and later with speaking. This procedure can be performed as early as the first few weeks after birth. A labial frenectomy corrects a lip frenum that attaches too close to the front teeth, helping prevent gaps between teeth, hygiene problems and gingivitis. For parents and adults alike, an experienced teeth surgeon can make frenectomy a quick, comfortable treatment with lasting benefits.
Soft-Tissue Grafting to Rebuild Gum Tissue
A soft-tissue graft is a procedure in which a piece of gum tissue is surgically transplanted to an area of the mouth that needs more coverage. Grafting is used to increase gum tissue around a single tooth, multiple teeth or dental implants, to build more gum tissue to support dentures, and to rebuild tissue in the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue or in the cheeks. Graft tissue is typically taken from nearby gum tissue, the roof of the mouth (palatal tissue) or bone bank tissue. Because healthy gums protect tooth roots and stabilize implants, soft-tissue grafting is often a key step in restoring a strong, lasting smile.
Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty for Healthier, Better-Shaped Gums
Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are two closely related gum surgeries. A gingivectomy removes diseased or excess gum tissue, helping eliminate pockets where bacteria collect and disease progresses. A gingivoplasty reshapes healthy gum tissue for functional or cosmetic purposes, such as correcting an uneven gumline or a “gummy” smile. Together, these procedures help patients achieve gums that are easier to keep clean and more balanced in appearance, supporting both confidence and oral health.
Crown Lengthening to Save Damaged Teeth
Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes gum tissue, and sometimes bone, to expose more of a tooth’s natural structure. When a tooth is broken, decayed near the gumline or too short to support a restoration, crown lengthening allows enough healthy tooth to be available to securely hold a crown. This tooth-saving approach can help patients keep their natural teeth rather than turning to extraction, which aligns with Rockwall Oral Surgery’s commitment to preserving natural smiles whenever possible.
Whether you need a frenectomy for your child, a gum graft to protect exposed roots or crown lengthening to save a damaged tooth, choosing a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon makes a meaningful difference in your comfort and results. For 24 years, Rockwall Oral Surgery has provided Texas dental patients with advanced surgical care, state-of-the-art technology like 3D cone beam imaging, flexible sedation options and non-opioid pain management with EXPAREL®. If your dentist has recommended soft-tissue surgery, or you have concerns about your gums, tongue or lips, contact Rockwall Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation with a trusted teeth surgeon near you.