Gum contouring is a procedure performed by removing excess tissue and reshaping the gum line. Dentists use this procedure to treat the condition of "excess gum," which is characterized as having irregular or "excess gum tissue covering parts of the teeth." Many people choose this cosmetic procedure because it achieves impressive results.
Gum contouring (also known as gum reshaping) is a procedure used by dental specialists (often periodontists) to change the appearance of your gum tissue. Some people have a "gummy smile," where their teeth appear short or square. Others may have an uneven gum line, with some areas too high and others too low. Gum contouring removes excess gum tissue to create a more even smile.
Conditions treated with gum contouring include:
Your dentist will meet with you to discuss what you like about your smile and areas you want to improve. They will ask about elements of your smile you enjoy and areas you wish to enhance. They may even take photographs of your smile to help create a treatment plan together.
During your initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a dental examination. Good oral health is important before gum contouring. Therefore, they will first check for cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues requiring treatment.
Next, your dentist will assess your gum and tooth proportions to determine how much tissue needs to be removed. They will consider factors like lip position, tooth wear, and facial bone structure to achieve proper symmetry and balance.
Finally, your dentist will check the levels of bone around each tooth. If there is excess bone around your teeth, they may need to remove a small amount. Without this step, your gum tissue could revert to its pre-procedure state. Your dentist or periodontist can advise you on whether this step applies to you.
Before starting the reshaping, your dentist or periodontist will apply local anesthesia to numb your gums. Many dentists offer sedation options to help you relax. If you are interested in sedation, discuss this with your dentist during your initial consultation. You will need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to take you to and from your appointment.
Once you are comfortable, your dentist will:
The gum reshaping procedure typically takes between one to two hours. The length of the procedure can vary depending on factors such as how many teeth need treatment and whether you receive sedation.
It may take several hours for the numbness from anesthesia to wear off. Once it does, you may experience mild discomfort. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers recommended by your dentist to alleviate any discomfort.
If you received sedation, your companion should take you home immediately after the procedure. You may feel groggy, so rest as much as possible and avoid tasks that require concentration for the rest of the day.
After cosmetic gum reshaping treatment:
All surgeries carry risks. Although complications from gum reshaping are rare, the following could occur:
It's also important to know that additional treatments may be needed to achieve desired results. These treatments may include:
For most people, recovery from gum reshaping takes one week or less. Your recovery timeline depends on various factors such as how many teeth needed treatment and your body's healing capacity. Your dentist will inform you about their expectations for your specific situation.
Depending on your condition, you may need additional treatments to achieve desired results. In most cases, you'll need to wait approximately 8 to 12 weeks for your dentist to determine if another procedure is necessary.
Give yourself the best chance for quick and comfortable healing:
Most people can return to work, school, and other routine activities within one to two days. It will likely take about a week for your gums to fully heal, so be patient and listen to your body.
After gum reshaping, call your dentist if you experience the following symptoms:
Your dentist will provide local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel anything during the procedure. As with any surgical treatment, it's normal to feel some discomfort after your appointment. Your dentist will recommend medications to help alleviate these side effects during your recovery.
In most cases, gum reshaping provides permanent results. However, gum tissue can rarely grow back. This typically occurs if your dentist did not remove enough excess bone beneath your gums during surgery. If you have questions about the results of gum reshaping, discuss them with your dentist.
Gum reshaping is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified dentist. However, remember that while some people are candidates for this procedure, others may not be suitable. Above all, never undergo gum reshaping or any other cosmetic dental procedure if you have existing cavities or gum disease. Schedule a consultation with a dentist to learn more about your treatment options.
The answer to this question varies for everyone. Many people are satisfied with the results of gum reshaping. However, whether it's worth it for you depends on several factors. When deciding if gum reshaping is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
When you're mindful of your smile, it can impact how you interact with the world. Gum reshaping removes excess tissue and reshapes your gum line for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. If you're looking to enhance your smile, gum reshaping may be an option for you.
The above information is for patient education purposes only. It does not substitute medical examination or diagnosis. To obtain detailed information, please contact Cafe Diş Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic and make an appointment to see our experienced doctors.
