Esthetic Management of the Gingival Smile

Faculty: Hands-On Workshop with Pr. Dr. André P. Saadoun

In facial aesthetics, the smile is the focal point—framing and balancing the lips, gingiva, teeth, and facial expression.

For dentists, after a correct and precise diagnosis, mastering the relationship between the lip outline, gingival contours, bone architecture, tooth proportions, and overall facial harmony is key to delivering results that are both functional and aesthetically exceptional.

This immersive hands-on workshop is led by Professor Dr. André P. Saadoun, globally recognized periodontist and educator, who has authored over 150 scientific articles and several foundational books on soft tissue management. Dr. Saadoun brings a wealth of knowledge in periodontal surgery and smile design, helping clinicians integrate surgical precision with artistic outcomes.

Hands-On Experience:

This 4-hour workshop includes step-by-step instruction and practice on gingival and bone models (2 participants per station), allowing dentists to simulate the full protocol for aesthetic crown lengthening procedures designed to manage excessive gingival display, called a gingival smile.

Participants will:

• Accurately diagnose and classify different types of gingival smiles

• Perform a sulcular then marginal internal beveled incision at the proposed smile line using Blade 15C

• Raise a limited, full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap with a periosteal elevator

• Remove in one piece the cut gingival margin

• Gain direct access to the buccal bone and subgingival structures

• Use tungsten and diamond burs for controlled osteoplasty/ostectomy

• Finalize the ostectomy to reestablish proper biological width and bone contour

• Reposition and suture the flap (continuous or interrupted techniques)

• Confirm a 3 mm flap margin–to–cervical bone distance to support new sulcus/biological width formation and long-term periodontal stability/esthetic results

This workshop is ideal for general dentists, periodontists, and aesthetic clinicians looking to elevate their smile design capabilities with evidence-based soft tissue and bone management techniques. Enhance your ability to deliver comprehensive, high-level aesthetic results where the smile seamlessly integrates into the full facial landscape.

Host or Publisher The International Academy of Facial Aesthetics