Gum Recontouring – Carrollton, TX
Reveal More of Your Smile with Gum Recontouring
Do you have a “gummy” smile, or feel like your teeth look too short or stubby? While there’s no way to make them grow any longer, a cosmetic dentistry treatment called gum recontouring can safely and permanently remove that excess gum tissue making them seem smaller than they are. Using a soft tissue laser, your dentist will quickly and concisely reshape your gums, revealing more of the natural tooth structure, so your smile looks brighter, broader, and less gummy.
What is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring is a procedure that uses a soft-tissue laser to essentially vaporize excess gum tissue that may make your smile look too gummy or your teeth too small. This device uses a tiny beam of concentrated light vaporize the tissue, allowing for a more precise removal than would be possible with a scalpel. Furthermore, because the light beam is doing the cutting, it also cauterizes the gums as it works, meaning there’s less bleeding, you probably won’t need sutures, and your recovery will be much faster and more comfortable overall.
How Does Gum Recontouring Work?
During your gum recontouring procedure, your dentist will numb your gums, typically with a local anesthesia. Then, they will carefully and precisely remove the excess tissue at the base of your teeth, revealing more of their natural structure. The soft tissue laser works with a beam of concentrated light, so no tools are needed, and most patients don’t even require stitches after treatment. In fact, this can also make recovery much faster and more comfortable, as well as reduce the risk of infection as you heal.
The Benefits of Gum Recontouring
In addition to permanently reducing excess gum tissue that may be making your smile look too gummy, gum recontouring has oral health benefits, too. Removing extra tissue can make it easier to floss and brush your teeth, reducing your risk of periodontal disease, receding gums, and cavities. It can also make your teeth appear larger or longer, which is why this treatment may also be referred to as crown lengthening.
Gum Recontouring FAQs
Is Gum Recontouring Painful?
It’s common to worry about discomfort with gum recontouring. The procedure itself is designed to be comfortable, so pain during treatment isn’t expected. Afterward, you might notice some tenderness in the gums as they recover. This can usually be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever or prescribed medication. For most patients, any soreness is mild, short-lived, and easy to control during the healing process.
What is Gum Recontouring Recovery Like?
Recovery from gum recontouring looks a little different for everyone, but it can take a few weeks for the gums to fully settle. Your dentist will explain what’s normal during recovery and give you guidance on brushing and daily care as your gums heal. For the first few days, softer foods that are cool or room temperature are usually best. It’s also important to stay away from spicy foods and anything with seeds until healing is complete. Using a mild mouth rinse that fights bacteria without irritating the gums can help keep the area clean and comfortable during recovery.
Who Is Gum Recontouring Right For?
Gum recontouring is often chosen by people who feel their gum line shows too much when they smile and want a more balanced look. By reshaping the gum line, your smile can appear more even and proportionate. Like many cosmetic dental treatments, this decision is very personal and based on what you want your smile to look like. The best way to know if gum recontouring is right for you is by meeting with an experienced cosmetic dentist. During your consultation, our team can review your goals, explain your options, and determine whether this treatment makes sense before moving forward with a customized plan.
How Long Is the Healing Process?
The entire healing process usually takes about one to two weeks. After that, you should be able to enjoy your new gum line without discomfort, swelling, or food restrictions. The first few days are usually the most challenging, and it’s normal to notice some swelling and mild soreness during that time. If your gums continue to bleed or if the pain or swelling feels excessive, notify our team right away so that we can resolve the underlying issue. To help prevent infection while your gums heal, you’ll usually be given an antibiotic mouth rinse to use as directed. Following these instructions closely helps ensure smooth healing and comfortable results.