Gum contouring is a dental procedure that is primarily performed for cosmetic reasons, although there also may be oral health benefits to treatment. This review discusses who the ideal candidate is for gum contouring and the considerations that you should make when determining if treatment is appropriate for your specific goals.
Ultimately, whether gum contouring and reshaping is ideal depends on the patient’s specific treatment goals. The following discussion highlights what gum contouring is, when it is a good idea for patients, and what patients can expect throughout the treatment and aftercare process.
Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves a reshaping of the gums. This most commonly involves removing excess gum tissue that is causing the patient’s smile to look uneven or show too much of their gums and not enough of the crowns of their teeth.
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure, so the patient should be the one to decide if gum contouring is a good idea. However, dentists may recommend gum contouring after listening to the patient’s specific treatment goals. In general, gum contouring is intended for patients who are not happy with the appearance of their smile due to one of the following concerns:
A gummy smile refers to gums that cover too much of the crowns of their teeth. This can make patients feel like their teeth appear too short, which is why the procedure is sometimes referred to as “crown lengthening.” Ultimately, the best way to determine if gum contouring is a good idea is to discuss the treatment with a licensed dental professional.
There may be discomfort during a gum contouring procedure, but most patients are under sedation to minimize the discomfort that they experience. The level of discomfort during the procedure depends on how much gum tissue is removed or added and the level of anesthesia that the patient chooses.
While there is not much discomfort during the procedure itself, there is likely to be discomfort for up to two weeks after treatment (although some patients feel better after a few days). However, patients can minimize the discomfort and help ensure a fast recovery by practicing good oral hygiene, making smart dietary choices, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain.
We offer gum contouring and reshaping here at our dental practice for patients who are not happy with the appearance of their gums due to uneven gums, too much of the gums showing (known as a “gummy smile"), or other aesthetic concerns. If you would like to learn more about gum contouring, schedule a consultation with us today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbyjulia.com or call Smiles By Julia at (954) 271-8034 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Is Gum Contouring in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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