Gum Contouring And Reshaping
Overview of Gum Contouring
If you're self-conscious about your smile, gum contouring may be a great option to enhance the symmetry and balance of your smile. Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that can even out the gum line and provide potential medical benefits.
Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area offers gum reshaping services for those seeking a simple and effective way to improve their smile. If you're interested in learning more about this procedure and determining if it's right for you, please contact us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment.
Causes of Gum Contouring
Many people may not pay much attention to their gums unless they are flossing or visiting the dentist. However, for some individuals, gum tissue can be a significant issue. It can be uneven, leading to an asymmetrical smile. Gum tissue that is too high can make teeth appear longer than usual, while tissue that is too low can make teeth look small. According to the National Library of Medicine, when the gum line drops 4 mm or more, it is known as a gummy smile.
“Most people probably do not think about their gums often except when they floss or are at the dentist’s office.”
Advantages of Gum Contouring Treatment
There are both medical and cosmetic advantages to gum contouring. Reshaping the gum line can enhance your smile and also prevent potential dental problems. Some specific benefits of this procedure include:
- Evens the gum line: An uneven gum line can make teeth appear crooked. If braces aren't needed but the teeth don't look straight, contouring might be the solution. It balances and evens out the smile.
- Reduces the gum line: Excess gum tissue can create a gummy smile and dull the color of the teeth. Removing this extra tissue results in whiter-looking teeth, significantly brightening the smile.
- Fights tooth decay: Reshaping the gum line helps combat decay. Excess gum tissue can trap food, making it harder to clean and leading to bacteria buildup and tooth decay.
“One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is it helps fight decay in the mouth.”
The process
Gum contouring can be completed in just one office visit with the use of a local anesthetic to ensure a painless procedure. The excess tissue is removed and the gum line reshaped using either a scalpel or laser method. In some cases, a small bone piece at the root of each tooth may also be removed. The laser method is faster and provides quicker healing, minimal bleeding, and no need for stitches. The results of gum contouring are permanent as the gum tissue does not grow back.
“The process of gum contouring typically takes only one office visit.”
Rehabilitation and Post-treatment Support
The reshaping of the gum line involves a recovery process. It is important for someone to drive the patient to and from the surgery appointment as anesthesia will be used. The patient should rest for the entire day to aid in the healing process.
Patients may experience some soreness and swelling around the gums. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol®, Advil®, and Motrin® can help manage discomfort and swelling. It is best to avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding.
After the procedure, patients should be cautious about their diet. Avoid crunchy, spicy, hard-to-chew, or foods with nuts or seeds. Stick to soft, cool foods to prevent bleeding and complications. Recommended foods include:
- Applesauce
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Soft vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Pudding
It is important to maintain proper oral care to minimize risks. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on how to brush your teeth. Be sure to take extra precautions until you have fully recovered, which may take a week or more.
