What Is Gum Contouring?
Many factors can affect how your gum tissue grows, including genetics, periodontal disease and certain prescription drugs. Recessed gums pull back and expose tooth roots, creating the illusion of longer teeth. On the other hand, excessive gum tissue can grow over each tooth, leading to inconsistencies across your smile.
Gum contouring can address both aesthetic concerns and functional issues.
Beyond enhancing the appearance of your smile, this treatment is often an essential part of:
- Reducing gum pockets
- Crown lengthening
- Regenerative dental treatments
Benefits of Gum Contouring
Why might someone considering having their gums reshaped?
This procedure can:
- Improve the balance between gums and teeth for a more uniform smile
- Minimize gum overgrowth
- Make your smile more symmetrical after braces come off
Who’s a Candidate for Gum Contouring?
This cosmetic procedure could be right for you if:
- Your gums have grown unevenly
- Your gums sit too low or too high
- You’re undergoing a procedure that could change the shape of your gums
Tooth decay or gum disease need to be addressed before your dentist does any contouring.
What to Expect
First, your dentist will assess the health of your teeth and gums before discussing cosmetic goals. Photos may be taken to determine where and how much gum tissue to remove. Additional factors like lip positioning, face shape and tooth wear are also taken into consideration.
Before the procedure, you may have a small amount of bone shaven to prevent the tissue from growing back to its original height and position.
Gum contouring takes roughly two hours, based on the amount of gumline involved.
Once the procedure begins:
- Your dentist numbs your gums with local anesthetic. You may have the option for full sedation but will need to have someone drive you home.
- Your dentist marks the location of your new gumline before using a scalpel or laser to remove any excess tissue.
- Following tissue removal, your dentist uses the same tools to reshape the remaining tissue and create a more proportional, balanced look.
Following the procedure:
- Once the anesthetic wears off, patients can take an over-the-counter pain reliever for any soreness.
- Consume soft, cold foods that don’t require much chewing for the next few days. Hot and spicy foods can aggravate the exposed tissue and should also be avoided.
- Your dentist will provide instructions for brushing and flossing your teeth as your gums heal.
- While your gums should heal in one to two weeks, some tissue may grow back. We can assess the results of your procedure after 8 to 12 weeks.
- Watch out for any complications, including infection, persistent bleeding, fever or pus around the incision.
Issues after a recent gum contouring procedure? Don’t wait. We see emergencies same-day!