What is Gum Contouring & How Does it Help Your Oral Health?
If you’re wondering whether or not gum contouring can help improve the appearance of your gummy smile, the answer is yes. Your gummy smile could be a sign of several different problems, and cosmetic gum contouring can help straighten out your gum line and restore the symmetry of your smile. However, it’s important to note that not all gummy smiles are the same, and the reasons they occur may vary. So, the best way to determine if gum contouring can help improve your gummy smile is to consult with our dentist and find out.
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring reshapes the tissue around the teeth to improve tooth alignment and overall facial aesthetics. Our dentist removes a small amount during a gum contouring procedure, and the contoured gum tissue is sutured into place. Gum contouring is minimally invasive, and patients often report a quick recovery period.
What are the Benefits of Gum Contouring?
Below are the benefits of gum contouring for your teeth:
- Cosmetic gum contouring helps you achieve a more confident smile.
- Your teeth will be longer with more gum tissue, creating a more attractive smile!
- Additionally, gum contouring gives you a more attractive smile because you’ll have healthier, more symmetrical gums.
- Gum contouring helps protect your teeth; if the gum tissue is too thin, it can be susceptible to receding, which can lead to tooth loss.
How Does Gum Contouring Work?
Gum contouring is a non-surgical procedure done to reshape the gums. Before you have gum contouring, our dentist will check your teeth, gums, and mouth for any problems. They will also take a series of x-rays to ensure the site is healthy. If your teeth are healthy and no gum recession is present, your gum contouring should not cause problems.
This procedure takes an average of an hour and a half to perform. The gum contouring procedure is done in three ways:
Gum Contouring for Too Much Gum
A professional might perform gum contouring to help eliminate excess gum tissue. In this procedure, the gum tissues covering too much of your teeth are removed. After the surgery, the removed gum tissues will be red and swollen for a few weeks. You may also experience discomfort when speaking or eating, but the discomfort should subside after a few days.
Gum Contouring for Too Many Teeth
If your overhanging gums are causing your teeth to appear too large, you might consider gum contouring to help balance the gap. The gums on the top and bottom of your teeth are normally equal in size. However, if your gums cover too much of your teeth, your teeth appear too large. A professional might perform gum contouring to help align the gums on the top and bottom of your teeth.
Gum Grafting for Too Little Gum
In most cases, too few gums can be caused by periodontal disease. Our dentist near you may recommend gum contouring as part of your gum disease treatment. A gum graft is a small piece of gum tissue your dental professional will use to cover the tooth.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery Recovery
After your gum contouring procedure, it is important to take it easy for the first few days. Avoid heavy lifting and foods that are hard to chew, like nuts. To aid in healing and prevent injury, keep your mouth clean and gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush.
Risks and Side-Effects of Gum Contouring
You must understand the risks and side-effects of the procedure and the after-effects of the procedure to fully understand the importance of your decision to have this procedure done. Some of the possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Infection
- Pain
- Gummy Smile
- Loss of teeth
- Loss of gum tissue
- Increased sensitivity
Schedule an Appointment
At American Modern Dental, we take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about gum contouring in Houston, TX. We want you to be aware of any risks and possible side effects of the gum contouring procedure. Book your appointment now to know more about cosmetic gum contouring in Houston!