What is Gum Contouring?

Not everyone loves their smile. If you don’t, it’s ok. But there are ways to fix that. For some, the biggest issue may not actually be the appearance of their teeth, but the appearance of their gums. Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that is used to fix the appearance of big or misshapen gums. Below is more information on how gum contouring works and who may be a good candidate for the procedure.

More about the gum contouring procedure

Gum contouring, also sometimes called gum lifting or gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dentistry approach used to correct uneven or excessive gums. Most patients report that the procedure is fairly quick and relatively painless. The procedure is commonly done with a scalpel after a local anesthetic has been administered. The anesthetic will help to minimize any pain during the procedure. However, some pain and discomfort after the procedure should be expected. Today, gum contouring with a laser is becoming increasingly popular partially due to the fact that the laser approach will reduce the discomfort experienced after the procedure. The laser trims away the excess tissue, reshape the gums, and then seals the tissue. This approach results in healthy and perfectly shaped gums with little bleeding.

Who should consider gum contouring?

Gums are not always the right size for your mouth. Some individuals believe their gums appear oversized for their mouth, or misshapen resulting in a crooked smile. Additionally, some people have what is often called a “gummy” smile. Gummy smiles are a problem caused by the overgrowth of the gum tissue covering the teeth. This overgrowth may be the result of genetics or potentially the side-effects of certain prescription medications. While this condition is common, many people with gummy smiles feel shame or embarrassment. Gum contouring is a perfect cosmetic option to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. The procedure is also appropriate for patients with advanced gum disease who have gums that have receded and are exposing too much of the tooth surface. Periodontal gum reshaping, or gum contouring for gum disease, is used to remove the pockets that have formed between receded gums and teeth and to seal the tissue to prevent future disease progression.

Post-procedure care

For the first few days after the procedure some discomfort and swelling may be expected. To help with pain and discomfort your dentist will recommend you use an over-the-counter pain reliever and avoid any hard or crunchy foods that will irritate your gums. It is also important to practice good dental hygiene for several weeks after the procedure. While you will need to be more gentle than normal, it is still important that you brush and floss daily. The goal is to avoid any irritation and bleeding of the gum tissue that could lead to infection while they are still healing.

For individuals who are unhappy with their smile, gum contouring can make a huge difference. Consider calling your dentist today and discussing if the procedure is a good option for you.

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