New techniques for periodontal surgical treatments allow for optimal esthetics with surgical treatment. Teeth which have had gum tissue recession can be treated with a soft tissue graft to add functional stability and prevention of further recession and resolve esthetic defects by covering the exposed root with the grafting procedure. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia in the dental office.

Esthetic periodontal surgery is sometimes performed to change the dimension of the front teeth and to optimize the esthetic outcome of treatment with new crown restorations or other esthetic dental care. In some instances a simple procedure can increase the length of the teeth to improve esthetics.