Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring, is a cosmetic dental procedure that creates an even and balanced smile. It’s a relatively painless and quick process that can be done inside the dentist’s office.
Patients should expect a little tenderness and soreness after the procedure. They can manage the discomfort with aspirin-free pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Benefits
Gum contouring helps balance the proportions of your smile for a more attractive appearance. It can also help fight tooth decay, since excess gum tissue traps food and makes it harder to clean your teeth, leading to bacteria that cause cavities. This procedure is typically done in one office visit, using a scalpel or laser to remove excess tissue and reshape your gum line.
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will consult with you to discuss your goals and evaluate your mouth. They may take X-rays or make molds of your teeth to determine the best way to address your concerns. During the procedure, patients will be given local anesthesia to ensure that they do not feel any discomfort.
After the procedure, your dentist will provide guidelines for recovery. They may suggest eating soft foods, such as eggs, yogurt, pasta, or applesauce, and avoiding spicy and hot foods for a few days. They may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
People with gummy smiles or uneven gum lines can have a negative impact on their confidence. Gum reshaping can give them the smile they desire and boost their self-esteem. It can even help them overcome issues like social anxiety or depression caused by their gummy or uneven smile. Moreover, it can also eliminate the need for other cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections, which is expensive and needs to be repeated several times each year.
Procedure
Gum reshaping is generally a safe and minimally invasive procedure when done by an experienced cosmetic dentist. Your dental provider will use local anesthesia to numb your gums before beginning the surgery. You may also opt to receive sedation dentistry to help you stay comfortable throughout the process. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment since the anesthesia might make it difficult for you to drive.
A scalpel or laser will be used to cut away and shape your gum tissue as needed. The laser method is more comfortable than the scalpel because it seals wounds during the procedure and reduces bleeding. The doctor will remove the excess gum tissue and reshape your remaining gum tissue for a balanced, uniform appearance. They may also graft gum tissue if necessary to create the ideal gum line for your smile.
You’ll need to follow the dentist’s instructions for recovery, including eating soft foods and avoiding hard, crunchy or spicy foods. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort. It’s also important to brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent infection. It can take a week or so for your gums to heal completely, so you should plan to take it easy until then. You can return to work and other normal activities after a few days.
Recovery
Traditionally, gum contouring and reshaping is done through a surgical procedure where the patient’s gums are numbed before the dentist removes excess tissue to create an even gum line. This is typically a fairly painless procedure, but the recovery period can vary greatly depending on how much surgery is required. Patients with a lot of gum tissue that needs to be removed will likely need sutures and more extensive recovery. However, laser technology is becoming more popular in gum reshaping procedures, which reduces discomfort and healing time significantly.
Once the gums are reshaped, there will be some irritation and tenderness in the early days of recovery. This can be reduced by taking aspirin-free pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Medications that contain aspirin can thin blood and exacerbate bleeding after the procedure. It is also important to avoid certain foods that are prone to irritating the newly reshaped gums. These foods include spicy or acidic items, which can damage the sensitive gum tissue.
In addition to avoiding irritant foods, it is important to keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing and flossing, though you may need to be more gentle than usual when navigating the newly reshaped gums. In addition, you should use an alcohol-free mouthwash or saltwater rinse to help clear away food particles and promote cleaning.
Cost
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure, so it is not usually covered by dental insurance. However, it may be a necessary part of other periodontal procedures such as crown lengthening or pocket reduction surgery. It is also used to correct gum recession.
The cost of the procedure varies depending on how much tissue is removed and reshaped. It is also important to find out whether the dentist or periodontist is trained and certified in gum contouring. Some general dentists can perform this procedure, but you should also look for a specialist who has extensive experience with the technique.
It can cost $50 to $350 per tooth to remove and reshape the gum tissue. This can also vary based on where you live, the qualifications of your doctor, and the extent of the work that needs to be done. The procedure is often combined with other cosmetic treatments, such as bonding or veneers, which can add to the overall cost.
Additional costs could include pre-operative consultations, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests to evaluate the condition of the teeth and gums. Patients should also budget for any sedation or anesthesia that is needed during the procedure. Dental school clinics often offer discounted rates for gum reshaping, which can help reduce the costs of the treatment.