Gum Recontouring is a surgical procedure performed by our dentist or periodontal specialist where they reshape the gums to improve the appearance of your smile using: laser, scalpel or radio knife. Some people undergo gum contouring surgery as part of other necessary periodontal procedures, such as crown lengthening, pocket reduction and regenerative procedures. This procedure helps patients whose gums are uneven or cover too much of their teeth (This may be caused by genetics or use of certain indications.)
Properly proportioned, healthy-looking gums can make a big difference in your smile since the shape of your gums affects the shape of your teeth. Gum contouring evens out uneven gums and restores the proper look and proportions to your gum line. We can comfortably remove excess tissue to fix a “gummy smile” and can add tissue to receded gums that make teeth look too “long”.
When you look at the perfect smile, sometimes you can’t instantly separate all the elements that make it appealing. But if you look closely, one thing that beautiful smiles have in common are correctly proportioned gums. If the gums don’t look right, something will look “off” about the smile because the shape of the gum affects the shape of the teeth. A “gummy smile” makes your teeth look short and less attractive. When the gums are pulled back and receded, teeth can look too “long”. Proper proportion, size and color in healthy gums make your smile look its best.
We use special instruments, most commonly a laser, to trim excess gums and sometimes excess bone tissue. This “sculpting” procedure is known as a gingivectomy. It will give your smile a more youthful, natural appearance, since your newly shaped gums will properly frame and showcase your teeth. The procedure will be quick and comfortable, and the laser will actually seal the gum tissue, helping you to heal faster.
This is accomplished by our office or a periodontist (gum specialist). After making sure that you are completely comfortable, tissue is re-positioned by a variety of techniques to accomplish the goal. Which technique is employed is dependent on the needs of the individual case. This simple procedure will shape your gums to a more ideal frame for your teeth, giving you a younger and more attractive smile.
Your gums may be tender and a little swollen for the first week following the procedure, and if so we will recommend an analgesic where you rinse your mouth with a special antibacterial mouthwash. You will do this once or twice a day for the next two weeks to prevent infection and aid the healing process.
