Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the health and aesthetics of the soft tissues in the oral cavity. At the office of Dr. Nenad Babić, we dedicate great attention to soft tissue care, as we believe it is the key to a beautiful and healthy smile.

The primary cause of soft tissue disease is dental plaque and tartar buildup, which leads to gum inflammation—clinically known as gingivitis There are several forms of gingivitis, and common symptoms include swollen gums, a reddish appearance of the gums (which should be a healthy pink), and gum bleeding.

Inadequate or delayed treatment can cause the inflammation to spread from the soft tissues to the hard tissues, leading to periodontitisPeriodontitis results in bone loss and the formation of bone pockets of various shapes around the teeth. These bone defects increase tooth mobility, meaning the teeth become loose. As the bone and soft tissues— which form the tooth’s supporting structures—deteriorate, this condition can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

That’s why we dedicate great attention to thorough tartar removal. At the office of Dr. Nenad Babić, this includes: ultrasonic scaling, followed by cleaning of all spaces and pockets around each tooth using appropriate hand instruments, and finally polishing the teeth with special brushes and polishing paste. Proper tartar removal is the first step in the fight against diseases of the tooth’s supporting structures.

Tartar removal should be performed every 4 to 6 months—or more frequently if needed!

In addition to causal therapy, we also provide surgical services within the field of periodontology, including: surgical treatment of periodontal pockets and various forms of mucogingival surgery.

A common concern patients present with is a gummy smile, which refers to excessive gum visibility when speaking or smiling.

The causes of a gummy smile can vary and may include:

1. Excessive vertical dimension of the upper jaw
2. Short teeth
3. Hypertrophic (overgrown) gums
4. Hypermobile upper lip
5. Improper tooth positioning
6. Hyperactivity of the lip muscles

Accordingly, there are several ways to address this issue. One of the solutions is gingivectomy. Gingivectomy is the removal of excess gums, which results in the lengthening of tooth crowns and thus a more beautiful smile. Dr. Nenad Babić's practice offers the option of removing excess gums with a laser, which is a less invasive and less painful method. Recovery is faster, and the effect is immediately visible.