THE USE OF INJECTABLES TO MAKE YOUR GUMS LOOK AND FUNCTION BETTER

I read with interest this article on the use of injectable Hyaluronic Acid to help with areas where the gums might be deficient around the teeth. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:2467-2474, 2019). Oral surgeons have been using injectables for facial rejuvenative treatments ever since these products came out. They work great and result in a more youthful appearance and even help with certain types of injuries and deformities such as scars.

Using these same principles on gums seems very logical and this article supports that. I suppose the main problem is cost and the likely need to regularly replenish the areas. Typically with facial rejuvenation this has to be done every 6 months to a year depending on the defect. Because of the regenerative capacity of oral keratinized mucosa (your tooth supporting gums), it will be interesting to see if these treatments can actively result in change in the actual tissues. I would guess that, as this develops as a technology, the manufacturers will simply add some type of fibrin-stimulating matrix to enhance the body’s own tissue growth essentially creating some scar which would not be tolerated on the facial skin, but could result in plumping of the gums which would be desirable.

On its own merit, especially for better cosmetics and health around the teeth, this use of this injectable seems to be a great idea. We will plan to apply it!