Gum Contouring in Houston, TX 77059
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring or reshaping is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves sculpting the gums to achieve a more even gum line. You may require gum contouring in Houston, TX, if you have gums that rest too low or too high over your teeth.
While it’s usually an elective cosmetic procedure, our dentist in Clear Lake may also recommend gum contouring as part of periodontal treatment, especially if you have experienced gum recession.
Gum contouring goes by multiple other names, including gum reshaping, gingival sculpting, and gingivoplasty. Call American Modern Dental today to determine if you’re a candidate for gum contouring near you.
Gum Contouring Procedure
Gum contouring near you is an outpatient procedure performed in the dentist’s office. Typically, gum reshaping takes about one to two hours to complete. Before starting the surgical process, our dentist in Houston, TX 77059 let you know what to expect. In addition, the dentists may draw a line to indicate the position of the new and improved gum line.
After administering local anesthesia, our dentists use a scalpel or laser to remove excess gum tissue and get rid of the “gummy smile” appearance. If you have receding gums, gum contouring involves restoring the gums using borrowed tissue, e.g., from the soft palate or roof of the mouth.
Patients with gum disease may undergo gum contouring as part of an extensive periodontal disease treatment plan featuring other treatments such as pocket reduction therapy and tissue regeneration.
Healing and Recovery after Gum Contouring
Gum contouring in Houston, TX, does require significant downtime, as healing may take several days or weeks.
You can expect some mild discomfort and tenderness during the recovery period, which should resolve after a couple of days. We encourage going for a softer diet for the first two or three days to allow your gums sufficient time to recover.
Our cosmetic dentist near you usually schedules a post-surgery appointment a few days after your procedure. This follow-up visit allows the dentists near you the opportunity to monitor your gums and keep an eye out for infections.
Remember to follow our dentists’ gum contouring aftercare instructions to ensure timely recovery and healing.
Get Gum Recession Treatment Near You
An uneven gum line can leave you feeling embarrassed and self-conscious. Thankfully, your perfect smile is only a phone call away.
Call or book your appointment with American Modern Dental today if you’d like to improve your smile’s aesthetics through gum contouring in Houston, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, gum contouring reshapes excess gum tissue to create a more balanced, symmetrical smile while improving the appearance of “gummy” or uneven gums.
Not always. While many patients choose it for appearance, gum contouring can also help reduce pockets that trap food and bacteria, making oral hygiene easier and reducing gum disease risk.
Most people heal within a few days to a week. You may have mild tenderness, but following aftercare instructions helps speed healing and keeps you comfortable.
The procedure uses local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. Mild sensitivity afterward is normal and manageable with simple aftercare.