Gum Recontouring
Although the most obvious characteristic of a beautiful smile is straight, even teeth which can be achieved with the help of braces, your gums are just as important to your appearance—and to your oral health. Whether you have a “gummy” smile or you suffer from more subtle gum issues, recontouring is a safe and effective way to improve the look and feel of your smile.
What is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring is a simple dental solution for overly prominent gums or for areas where the shape of the gums can hide the natural beauty of your smile. This procedure can be used to reshape or remove excess gum tissue or to graft new tissue to an uneven gum line.
Gum problems may be very obvious, or they can camouflage themselves as other types of problems:
- A “gummy” smile makes teeth look short.
- An uneven gum line can make teeth appear to be different sizes.
- Exposed tooth roots due to gum recession can make teeth look uneven and can even cause them to loosen. It also ages your appearance.
The majority of dental surgeons perform gum recontouring with a laser, but an oral surgeon who is experienced enables him to do the same repairs by hand, with a scalpel. With the right level of skill and training, this provides an equal or superior result to laser recontouring.
Gum recontouring is often a better solution to problems that might have otherwise been corrected with veneers, bonding, or onlays.
Gum Recontouring Success Story
Joakim Before
Joakim After
Why Choose Gum Recontouring?
Because it addresses the cause of the problem, gum recontouring is often the ideal correction for gummy smiles and other cosmetic concerns. The surgeon will discuss your treatment plan in advance, and will perform the recontouring procedure himself to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
If you’re living with a puffy or uneven gum line, you can expect to see the following benefits after gum recontouring:
- Visible, even teeth and healthy-looking gums
- Greater confidence in your smile
- A more youthful appearance
- Greater comfort
- Easier brushing and flossing
- A fresh, natural, beautiful smile
Gum recontouring can be performed in tandem with other procedures, as part of a whole mouth reconstruction, or on its own to correct issues that are restricted to the gums.
Will my gums hurt during or after the procedure?
You’ll receive a local anesthetic before the procedure begins, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the gum recontouring process. You may notice some pain, tenderness, or swelling afterwards as your gums heal, but this is temporary and is a normal part of the process. Gargling with salt water helps to minimize swelling, and over-the-counter medication usually alleviates any pain.
How long does gum recontouring take?
The actual procedure itself usually takes anywhere from a half hour to two hours, depending on the extent of the reshaping.
How long do the results last?
Gum recontouring is a one-time procedure that has permanent, lasting effects on the shape of your gums. You’ll leave the office with the smile you’ve always wanted, without ever having to worry about your gums again!