GUM CONTOURING

Gum contouring is a procedure that is done for anyone that feels there is an issue with their gum line. You or your dentist may have noticed that your gums rest a little too high or a bit too low on your teeth and may have recommended the procedure. If you’re unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum contouring surgery. Read on to find out more about the procedure and what it can do for you.

What causes gums to be uneven?

There can be many reasons for uneven gums. Gums can appear to be either too high on the teeth or too low. Gums that cover a large portion of the teeth can give them an appearance of being smaller than what they actually are.

In some cases, the cause is due to genetics. Other times, it can be due to health reasons or a type of prescription drug that is being taken, as there are side effects with many.

If your gums are too high they can cause the teeth to look too long. This is usually the result of gum recession, which is a condition in which the gum tissue pulls back away from the tooth. In some cases, this can even expose the root of the tooth and lead to larger problems such as tooth decay or loss.

Is gum contouring surgery necessary?

The procedure of gum contouring is considered to be a cosmetic procedure. In most cases, it is not medically necessary. The majority of individuals that choose to undergo gum contouring surgery do it for the purpose of improving their smile.

In other cases, gum contouring is done as a periodontal procedure, such as crown lengthening, pocket reduction and other procedures that are for regenerative purposes.

In cases of gum recession, gum contouring surgery can be used to add in gum tissue where it has been lost or trimming away any overgrown gum tissue that has covered a part of the tooth crown. These types of procedures are looked at as non-cosmetic.

Which type of doctors can perform gum contouring?

Most dentists and periodontists or gum specialists can perform the gum contouring procedure. One thing you’ll want to do before you have the surgery is to speak to your dentist about their knowledge and experience with the surgery.

Asking questions is a great way to get a feel for the dentist or periodontist’s knowledge of the surgery. It will also allow you to be better informed about how the procedure is done and what you should expect during and after the process; this way both you and your dentist or gum  specialist feel comfortable knowing what to expect.

How much does gum contouring cost?

The price of gum contouring can vary widely. This is because it depends on the extent of the work that is being done. The best thing you can do is to speak to your dentist in order to get an estimate of the total cost of the surgery based on your specific needs. Unfortunately, since gum contouring is categorized as a cosmetic procedure, most dental insurance plans will not cover the cost.

What should I expect?

The gum contouring surgery is performed within the dentist’s office. You can expect your dentist to use laser, scalpels, and radiosurgery in order to complete the surgery. Beforehand, you can speak to your dentist in order to find out which technique is the one that is best suited to you and your situation.

As stated before, your dentist should be able to speak with you before the procedure is done to discuss what exactly will be done and how the process will be carried out. During this time you should ask any questions you may have so that you understand how the process works and are comfortable with the having the procedure done.

Often times, the dentist will use a special pen to draw a line along your gums to give you a visual of how your gum line will be reshaped. They may also apply an anesthetic in order to numb the area so that no pain is felt during the reshaping or removing process.

 

In some situations, the dentist may have to remove part of the bone at the front of the tooth’s root in order to give you the best long-term results for your gum line. However, if this is the case, the dentist will have discussed this with you prior to the procedure being done so that you are aware and comfortable with having a part of the tooth removed.

What is the recovery process like?

After your surgery has been completed you will want to make sure that you get plenty of rest in order for your gums to heal properly. The healing process can take anywhere from a few days to a number of weeks depending on the extent of the work that you had on your gums.

Your dentist will be able to provide you with all of the information you will need about the recovery process and how to properly care for your teeth during the healing process. The information should include specific instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums. Here are a few tips to help get you through the recovery process:

  • If you’re experiencing a lot of pain after your surgery, you can try to ease the pain by taking an over the counter pain reliever, such as Advil or Tylenol, but only as directed by your dentist. Always check with your dentist or doctor first, in order to make sure these drugs are safe for you.
  • Eat foods that are soft and easy to chew. You want to make sure you don’t damage the sensitive tissue on your gum line after your surgery, so make sure that you eat foods that are soft and easy to chew or require minimal chewing. Some examples include rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or yogurt. You may also want to avoid any spicy foods until your gums are completely healed.
  • Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to properly care for your teeth during the healing process. The information should include how to safely and carefully brush your teeth in order to reduce the risk of damage to the sensitive tissue.

Are there any risks associated with gum contouring?

Every surgery comes with risks, even if they are slight or rare. Gum contouring has the risk of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used, which is rare, or the chance of gum tissue relapse.

If you are interested in gum contouring, visit Ideal Smile for a consultation to see if gum contouring is right for you. Our dentists are knowledgeable and skilled in this area and we will work with you to get you your best smile.

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