Gum reshaping — also known as tissue sculpting or gum contouring — is a cosmetic dental procedure that helps patients with a “gummy smile.” Your dentist uses a scalpel or laser to remove excess gum tissue and sculpt a new, more even gum line.
강남역치과Over time, this can help your teeth look larger and improve their overall health. It can also reduce the occurrence of tooth decay and periodontal disease, which are caused by excess gum tissue.
Benefits
Gum reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure that dramatically improves a smile. It corrects issues such as thick gums that make teeth appear shorter, or an uneven gum line. It is done by removing excess gum tissue and contouring it to expose more of the tooth’s enamel, giving your smile a healthy, vibrant appearance.
In addition to boosting your confidence in your smile, reshaping your gums can also help fight tooth decay and gum disease. Excess gum tissue traps food particles and bacteria, making it harder to keep your teeth clean. It also makes you more susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal problems. By trimming back the gum tissue, you can better protect your teeth and gums, keeping them healthy and strong for a lifetime of enjoyment.
The gum reshaping process is usually performed in one office visit. Once your mouth is numbed, the dentist will use either a scalpel or laser to remove the excess gum tissue and sculpt it into an attractive shape. Using a laser allows for more precision, decreasing pain and recovery time.
After the procedure, you may experience some soreness or swelling for a few days. However, this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and a diet of soft foods. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure the gums are healing properly.
Procedure
As an aesthetic procedure, gum reshaping can help improve your confidence with a more attractive smile. The gum tissue that covers part of your teeth’s crown may make your teeth look shorter than they are, creating a “gummy smile.” Gum contouring trims away excess gum tissue to reveal more of your tooth crown.
Your dentist will give you local anesthesia to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. He or she will use specialized tools to reshape your gum line, including using a laser. The laser does not leave any scars or stitches, and it is much faster than traditional scalpel methods.
You should expect to be sore and swollen for a few days after the procedure. You should apply ice packs to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Your dentist will provide specific instructions about how to care for your mouth during recovery. You should follow these guidelines to avoid infections and to speed up healing.
Typically, you will need to visit your dentist for a few follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and check that the procedure was successful. Your doctor might also recommend certain dietary or hygiene habits to prevent infection and promote a speedy recovery. Because gum reshaping is typically performed for cosmetic reasons, it is usually not covered by dental insurance.
Recovery
Gum contouring is a common dental procedure that enhances the appearance of a smile by removing excess gum tissue. It is performed by a skilled dentist or periodontist and typically involves little discomfort. During the initial recovery period it is important to stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous activity. It is also a good idea to stick to soft and soothing foods to avoid irritating the gum tissue. You may need to schedule a follow up appointment a week or so after your surgery to ensure that healing is progressing as expected.
Having excessive or uneven gum tissue is not only an aesthetic problem, but it can lead to increased tooth decay and gum disease. Trimming back the gum line can help eliminate trapped food particles, reduce plaque buildup and make teeth appear longer and healthier. In addition, a well-formed gumline is essential for proper tooth support and blood flow.
During the consultation, the dentist or periodontist will determine if gum reshaping is right for you. After numbing the area, they will use a scalpel or laser to remove or reshape the excess tissue. If necessary, the doctor may place stitches to assist with the healing process. These will either dissolve on their own or be removed at a later visit. In some cases, the doctor may recommend using a saline rinse and taking over the counter pain relievers.
Cost
Gum contouring and gum lifts are considered cosmetic procedures so they aren’t typically covered by dental insurance. Depending on the extent of reshaping needed, the cost can vary significantly.
Gum reshaping is often done as part of a larger treatment for periodontal disease, or as part of a cosmetic smile makeover, such as with veneers or dental bonding. During the consultation process the dentist or periodontist will assess your current gums and determine what reshaping will be required. They may also take X-rays or molds of your teeth.
Once the area has been numb, they can begin to trim and sculpt your gum tissue. This is done with either a traditional surgical scalpel or a newer dental laser, which cauterizes the tissue as it is removed to minimize bleeding and speed up recovery.
The reshaping procedure usually only takes one or two hours to complete. Once the anesthesia wears off, you might notice some tenderness and sensitivity, but this should subside within a few days. Using ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce any discomfort as your gums heal.
While gum reshaping does not address issues with tooth decay or gum disease, it is an excellent option for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. Those who have a “gummy” smile, with too much gum tissue covering their tooth roots, will benefit from the procedure by exposing more of the tooth and creating a more balanced look.