Do you feel like your smile shows too much of your gums? It’s not uncommon to say so. Some people have high gumlines, others have low gumlines, and some simply even have uneven gumlines. If you feel self-conscious about how your gums show in your smile, you can consider a gum recontouring treatment.
What Is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring, also called gingival sculpting or gingivoplasty, can give you a new smile by reshaping your gumline. The procedure exposes more of your teeth by removing excess gum tissue. Dentists sometimes recommend it to treat gum issues that can affect a patient’s overall health.
When Is Gum Recontouring Medically Necessary?
When food particles get trapped in your mouth, they become breeding grounds for bacteria which can accelerate tooth decay. If excessive gum tissue is capturing food particles, they can be difficult to remove by brushing or flossing. Patients with this condition are more vulnerable to gum irritation, gingivitis, or other forms of periodontal disease. Gum recontouring can also be a necessary step in other cosmetic procedures like crown lengthening.
What Are the Benefits of Gum Recontouring?
There are many practical benefits to undergoing the treatment, including:
It Trims Back Excess Gum Tissue
Gum recontouring can safely remove excessive gum tissue from the smile. This makes the teeth appear longer and makes them fit more proportionately with the rest of the face.
It Can Even Out the Gumline
Sometimes gums appear jagged and uneven and can make the teeth look crooked. Gum recontouring can create a more symmetrical smile.
The Procedure Is Painless
Before the treatment begins, the dentist will apply local anesthesia to numb the gums, resulting in no pain when the tissue is removed.
The Procedure Involves Minimal Downtime
The treatment can be done in one quick visit with little idle time. The recovery involves some tenderness or numbness. You may have to avoid some activities for one or two days after the treatment. You will have to stick to soft foods for about three days and your dentist will provide you with dietary instructions for the rest of the recovery.
The Procedure Is Incredibly Safe
Gum recontouring is among the safest forms of surgery. The risk of bleeding or infection is very low, and the recovery period will be over quickly if the patient sticks to all post-surgical instructions.
Gum Recontouring Is Permanent
Once the excessive gum tissue is trimmed, it will not grow back. With good oral hygiene, gum recontouring can be expected to be completely permanent.
With modern dental technology, reshaping the gums has come a long way from the days when it was a lengthy and risky ordeal. Gum recontouring is a safe and efficient treatment that can give a patient new confidence in their smile.
About the Practice
Texas Dental Surgery specializes in implants, oral surgery, and periodontics in Prosper, TX. Led by Dr. Stephen Walker, DDS, MS, and Dr. Sammy Houari, DDS, MD, the practice provides patients with compassionate and friendly care. The staff is trained in IV sedation and the office uses non-opioid pain management medication. For more information on gum recontouring services, contact the office online or dial (469) 269-8680.