Soft tissue contouring as periodontal plastic surgery.

Many options are available today for treatment of the cosmetic dentistry patient. Composites, veneers, and porcelain crowns have become an art form, with the gingival tissue serving as the frame. Clinicians providing cosmetic dental services must keep aware of the different techniques available for soft tissue contouring. Only recently has periodontal plastic surgery been presented at dental meetings, and little information exists in the research literature. This review brings the practicing dentist up to date on scientific and clinically relevant articles on soft tissue contouring. By working with the shape and contour of the gingiva, a more complementary esthetic final result is possible.