About 10% of adults between 20 and 30 have a condition known as excessive gingival display, or a “gummy smile.” It occurs when too much gum tissue shows above the upper teeth while smiling. An ideal way to treat a gummy smile is through gum contouring. This cosmetic procedure involves reshaping or removing excess gum tissue to achieve a more balanced gum line. Besides improving your looks, gum contouring has health advantages, making it a practical option in dental care. This blog explains in detail the art of gum contouring surgery.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, sculpting, or gum reshaping is a dental treatment that improves the appearance of the gums. People often choose this procedure if their gums are uneven or cover the teeth, making their smile appear too gummy.
A periodontist or cosmetic dentist usually performs this procedure in their office. They use a laser to remove parts of the gums to reveal more of the tooth and create a more even gum line. In some cases, the surgeon may use a scalpel.
Gingivectomy is another gum contouring type aimed explicitly at removing unhealthy gum tissue.
The depth of each tooth limits how much tissue the dentist can remove. Your dentist will assess and may suggest additional treatments to prepare for gingivoplasty. Given these limitations, a detailed diagnosis is necessary to treat significant gummy smiles.
Other alternatives could be:
- Orthodontics
- Orthognathic surgery
- Plastic surgery
When is a Smile Considered Gummy?
A gummy smile does not have exact measurements, as it varies based on personal views. Generally, when you smile, your teeth should show a few millimeters of gum. If you see three or four millimeters, it might seem excessive compared to your other facial features.
Several factors can lead to a gummy smile, including the following:
Teeth Eruption Differences
Sometimes, too much gum tissue covers teeth when they come in. This coverage makes the teeth look shorter than they are.
Jawbone Growth
The upper jawbone, the maxilla, can grow longer than usual. This overgrowth is referred to as vertical maxillary excess.
Medications
Certain medications can lead to gum overgrowth. Drugs for immunosuppression, seizures, or high blood pressure can cause gingival hyperplasia, which makes it harder to maintain good oral hygiene.
Lip Shape
Some individuals have a shorter upper lip or a hypermobile lip, which can increase when smiling, revealing more gum.
When Gum Contouring is Medically Necessary
Gum contouring is mainly a cosmetic treatment. Sometimes, it can be essential for medical reasons, such as when you suffer from gum disease. Besides gum contouring, your dentist will use non-surgical options, such as antibiotics or cleanings, to enhance gum health.
Your dentist might suggest pocket reduction surgery if these options do not work. This procedure targets the gums and surrounding bone to help preserve the tooth. You might also need a regeneration treatment to restore damaged bone and gum tissue.
These treatments may also include gum contouring. Dental insurance might cover some or all of the costs if considered a medical necessity. Check with your dental insurance provider to understand the services included and if there will be any out-of-pocket costs.
The Gum Contouring Procedure
Before your gum contouring procedure, your dental professional (usually a periodontist or dentist) will examine your cosmetic objectives. They will ask what the patient loves about their smile and anything they want to change. The dentist may take photos of a patient’s smile to help create a treatment plan.
Good dental health is required before gum contouring so the dentist can check for gum disease, cavities, or other issues that require treatment.
The dentist assesses the tooth-to-gum ratio to decide how much oral tissue to remove. They will also consider tooth wear, facial bone structures, and lip position to ensure proper balance and symmetry.
Your dentist will evaluate the bone level around all teeth. If there is excess bone, they will need to extract a small amount. This step is crucial to prevent your gums returning to their original position after the operation. Your periodontist or dentist will inform you if this measure is necessary.
What To Expect During a Gum Contouring Procedure
Before the procedure starts, your periodontist or dentist will apply local anesthesia to help numb the gums. Many also provide sedation options for added comfort. Discuss sedation with your dentist during your first visit if you want it. Ensure a family member or trusted friend takes you to and from the appointment.
Once you are ready, your dentist will:
- Mark the new gum lines with a special pen.
- Remove extra gum tissues using a scalpel or the laser method.
- Remove small pieces of bony structures around the teeth, depending on your specific tooth structure.
- Reshape the remaining gum tissues for a more even appearance.
- Use stitches to control bleeding, if needed.
The gum contouring procedure usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. The time depends on the number of teeth treated and whether you choose sedation.
What To Expect After a Gum Contouring Procedure
The numb feeling from local anesthesia will last a few hours. Once it fades, you may feel mild soreness. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help with any pain. If you received sedation, your loved one should drive you home after the operation. You might feel dizzy, so you should relax and avoid operating a vehicle for the rest of the day.
Benefits of a Gum Contouring Procedure
Gum contouring provides various advantages beyond enhancing your smile’s look. For gum disease patients, reshaping their gums helps decrease the spaces where bacteria gather, leading to better oral health. By removing these spaces, gum contouring makes it easier to keep good dental hygiene and lowers the chances of further gum issues.
Another key advantage is the increased self-esteem that often comes with a better smile. Many feel embarrassed about their gummy smile, which could impact their social life and happiness. By reshaping your gums for a more appealing and balanced smile, people often feel confident and are more likely to smile freely.
Dentists sometimes combine gum contouring with other treatments, such as crowns or veneers, to create a complete smile transformation. This combined approach ensures that teeth and gums look great together, giving a natural and pleasing appearance. These dental treatments can significantly improve the overall look of a patient’s smile.
Risks and Factors To Consider With Gum Contouring
Like any surgical operation, gum contouring has risks and things to consider. A primary concern is the risk of catching infections. You can reduce this risk with good hygiene and post-surgery care. Follow your dental professional’s advice closely and go to follow-up visits to check on healing and deal with any problems that may come up.
Another factor to consider is the possibility of sensitivity in the treated spots. After the procedure, some patients can experience a temporary increase in sensitivity to cold or hot. This sensitivity usually goes away as your gum heals and adapts over time.
Contouring is a cosmetic treatment, which means dental insurance may not pay for it. Patients should contact their insurance company to find out what treatments are covered and what expenses they might have to cover themselves. Discussing payment options with the dental clinic could also help reduce costs.
Most people recover from gum contouring in about a week or less. The time it takes to heal can vary depending on the number of teeth treated and how quickly your body heals. Your provider will give you specific information about what you can expect.
You may need more treatment to obtain the results you want. Typically, you should wait around 8 to twelve weeks for your provider to assess if further procedures are necessary.
Recovery Tips After Gum Contouring
To ensure a smooth and quick recovery after gum contouring, follow these tips:
- Take your medications as instructed—Some soreness is normal, but severe pain should not occur. Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with discomfort. Your provider might also give you antibiotics to lower the risk of infections.
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Increasing the heart rate can lead to more swelling, pain, and bleeding. You should avoid exercise for the first five days and slowly return to your routine.
- Eat soft foods to help your gums heal. Eggs, pasta, yogurt, smoothies, and cooked vegetables are good options. Stick to these for the first couple of days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hard foods for about a week.
- Keep the area clean—Reducing oral bacteria in the mouth can help you heal faster and lower the chance of infections. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on brushing and flossing after the procedure and may suggest using antibacterial mouthwash.
FAQs About Gum Contouring
Below are frequently asked questions about gum contouring:
Does Gum Contouring Hurt?
A dentist can contour gums with a scalpel or a soft tissue laser. Using a scalpel is more invasive and might cause pain. On the other hand, the laser method is less invasive and typically painless both during and after the procedure. Your pain and discomfort will depend on how much gum tissue the dentist works on.
Before starting the procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the gums. The local anesthesia will prevent pain during the operation. Afterward, you may feel numbness and tenderness.
After the procedure, the periodontist may suggest a pain reliever. You can take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). You can also use an over-the-counter pain reliever. A cold compress or ice pack can also help lessen swelling and pain. It is most effective when applied for 15 to 20 minutes.
Is Gum Shaping Different From Gum Contouring?
Dentists often use these terms interchangeably. Some may refer to the scalpel procedure as contouring, while reshaping with lasers may be called shaping.
The methods and goals are alike. The difference lies in the tools used. The important thing is that you can change the appearance of your gums. It does not matter whether you call it contouring or reshaping since both are great options.
Is a Gum Contouring Procedure Worth It?
The response is different for every patient. Many individuals are pleased with the results of a gum contouring procedure. However, whether contouring is right for you depends on a few things. Consider these questions to help you decide if contouring is a good choice.
- Would altering my smile boost my self-esteem or confidence?
- Am I dissatisfied with my smile?
- Am I equipped to maintain good dental hygiene and participate in follow-up check-ups after the procedure?
- Will I need other oral treatments before a gum contouring procedure?
- Should I trust my dentist and believe they know my goals?
A consultation with a dentist is necessary to determine if gum contouring is the right option. During this meeting, the dentist will discuss your cosmetic goals, assess your dental health, and outline the possible risks and benefits of gum contouring. This tailored method ensures you obtain the ideal treatment for your individual needs.
Suitable candidates for a gum contouring procedure are those with healthy gums who want to enhance their smile’s appearance. If you or a loved one has periodontitis or other dental health problems, your dentist must treat them before a cosmetic gum procedure. Your dentist can collaborate with you to create a complete treatment plan focusing on oral health.
Find an Encino Gum Contouring Surgeon Near Me
Gum contouring allows individuals to enhance the look and symmetry of their smiles. While the procedure is relatively straightforward, choosing a qualified expert, preferably a periodontist, is crucial to ensure optimal results and safety. You should also understand the advantages and potential risks of any dental treatment.
We at Lasting Impressions Dental Spa focus on delivering quality care and tailored dental treatment plans that meet your needs. Our skilled team employs the latest technology and techniques to provide outstanding care. We recognize that every patient is unique, so we tailor our methods to achieve good outcomes for the patient’s smile and overall dental health. If you or a loved one needs gum contouring in Encino, contact us at 818-751-5100 to arrange a consultation. Our dentists will help you attain a healthier, more attractive smile.
