Often people only consider teeth whitening, straightening and other similar procedures when it comes to improving their smile, yet gums make a significant impact on the attractiveness of a smile. If your gums are too large or have receded, gum contouring can help you improve or restore your smile and enhance your beauty. The gum contouring dental procedure, also known as tissue sculpting or gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure carried out by a trained specialist.
At All Natural Dentistry Dr. Amy Khajavi will help you get a dazzling smile with proven, advanced gum contouring services. A biological dentist with more than 20 years of experience in dentistry with advanced dental degrees and training, Dr. Khajavi specializes in full mouth reconstruction and implant dentistry and only uses safe and biocompatible materials in all her dental procedures including gum contouring.
If you have too much gum or a “gummy smile,” it could be due to bacterial infection, poor oral care or plain genetics. Some people have a natural high lip line that shows up excess teeth and gums. Receding gums or gum recession can make the teeth appear elongated or discolored and may occur in a few teeth or the entire mouth. It can expose the roots to plaque and harmful bacteria leading to tooth decay and loss. The major causes of gum recession are harsh brushing, genetics, gum disease, and bone loss.
In most cases, an individual will not decide to opt for gum contouring due to medical necessity; it’s mostly a cosmetic procedure to improve your smile and fill you with new confidence. Unless, of course, when you require gum contouring for compulsory periodontal surgeries such as crown lengthening and pocket reduction.
Gum contouring is performed by a dentist, oral surgeon or a periodontist (gum specialist). It is important that you find out before you opt for this procedure whether your dentist is trained, certified and experienced in carrying out a gum contouring surgery or gum reshaping.
Cost of gum contouring depends on the extent of work and the number of teeth that require work to be done. Typically, the cost start at $50 and go up to $300 per tooth. Gum contouring surgery done for a cosmetic purpose is not covered by dental insurance.
Your periodontist, oral surgeon or cosmetic dentist will probably use a laser or scalpel to create a new and better gumline for your teeth. The procedure is carried out at the dentist’s office, and your doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the specific area.
Dr. Khajavi at All Natural Dentistry will discuss with you the details of the procedure before performing it: showing you how she plans to reshape the new gumline to improve your smile. If gum contouring does not achieve results, your periodontist may go for crown lengthening.
You will be advised to rest on the day of surgery, and you may have to rest for a few days more to attain complete healing. Recovery time depends on the length and complication of the procedure and the tools used, i.e. lasers or scalpels. Healing after a laser procedure is faster compared to one done using a scalpel, which requires sutures.
As your new gumline heals after effects such as minor swelling, tooth sensitivity, and pain will go away. You are strongly advised to follow your doctor’s instructions during the recovery period. Patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and certain foods.
Your periodontist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on medication, diet, and brushing. Soft and cool foods such as ice cream, boiled vegetables, yogurt, pasta, cottage cheese, and puddings are advised. Spicy food, seeds, and nuts should be avoided until the gums are completely healed.
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain but avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding. Call your doctor immediately, if you notice extreme swelling, bleeding, pain or other unexpected symptoms.
There are certain minimum risks associated with gum contouring that are common in every surgery: they are an allergic reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding and swelling, and relapse of gum tissue. Due diligence is the most important part before you decide to go for gum contouring. Verify the skill and experience of your dentist, and don’t shy away from asking for testimonials, certifications and other proof for your safety and peace of mind.
If you don’t like the way your gums and teeth appear or think that your uneven gums are putting a damper on your electric smile, don’t wait—call Dr. Amy Khajavi at All Natural Dentistry to schedule your dental appointment and our experienced staff will provide you with the details about the gum contouring dental procedure.
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