Some cosmetic dental treatments are more commonly known and better understood than others. For example, most patients know what professional teeth whitening is, and they are even usually familiar with dental veneers. Gum contouring, on the other hand, is not as widely known and understood. This cosmetic procedure, however, can have a significant, positive impact on a person's smile and appearance, helping them improve their confidence and self-image.
Gum contouring (also referred to as gum recontouring, gingival contouring, gum lift, gum reshaping, or gum reduction) is an oral surgical procedure that is performed to reshape or recontour the gum tissues. It is commonly used to treat patients with an excessive gingival display or a gummy smile by sculpting and reshaping the contours of the patient's gum tissues.
Many dental treatments have a reputation for being painful. However, modern dentistry offers many tools to prevent patients from experiencing pain and discomfort during and after their treatments. Gum contouring is always performed with the treatment area completely numbed to ensure patients experience no pain during treatment.
Additionally, modern oral surgery tools, such as dental lasers are much more precise and gentle than traditional scalpels. In addition to gum contouring being performed with local anesthetics, dental lasers also help reduce pain, swelling, and recovery time.
Many people believe that after a gum contouring procedure, their gum tissues will grow back. The regeneration of gum tissue following a contouring procedure, however, is an extremely rare occurrence. Gum contouring is generally considered a permanent procedure. Once a patient has their gums contoured, they should not need to undergo another contouring procedure at a later date.
Gum contouring is most often recommended to patients who have a gummy smile (or more gingival tissue than average), and this is the most common reason the procedure is performed.
Gum contouring, however, can also be beneficial to patients with an average amount of gum tissue. For example, gum contouring is often used to even out the appearance of a person's smile. The gum tissues create a frame for the smile, and if they are not evenly distributed along the tops of the teeth, then they can impact symmetry and balance. So, gum contouring can be used to create a more symmetrical smile in addition to correcting a gummy smile.
Yes, the gums are an essential part of your oral anatomy, and removing too much gum tissue could expose the roots of your teeth and put them at risk. However, dentists who provide gum contouring surgery have undergone special training. Our dentist will first carefully evaluate each patient's unique oral anatomy to determine an appropriate and safe amount of gum tissue to remove during a gum contouring procedure. We will then develop individual treatment plans to ensure each patient is left with an ample amount of healthy gum tissue to support the health of their teeth after contouring.
If you have a gummy smile or uneven smile, then a simple gum contouring procedure could help to create symmetry and balance in your smile while improving your appearance and bolstering your confidence. To learn more about gum contouring, how it works, and if it's right for you, we welcome you to contact Decker Dental. Our dentist in Enumclawcan talk with you about your smile goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you create a healthy and beautiful smile.
Call 360.825.3191 or click the link below to schedule an appointment online.
