What Is Gum Contouring & Reshaping? | R. Scott Smith DDS

What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping Orange, CAPeople who are embarrassed about their smile may want to consider gum contouring to improve the symmetry and balance of their smile. The term is synonymous with gum reshaping, and the terms can be used interchangeably. Gum contouring, or reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that evens out the gum line and may also offer medical benefits.
Gum reshaping is available at R. Scott Smith DDS in Orange and the surrounding area. People who are looking for a simple and effective way of improving their smile may want to consider gum contouring. We can discuss the procedure and help determine if it is a good choice. Call us at (714) 332-4737 to schedule an appointment.
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Reasons For Gum Reshaping

Most people probably do not think about their gums often except when they floss or are at the dentist’s office. However, for some people, gum tissue can be a real concern. It may be uneven, which causes the smile to look asymmetrical.

The gum tissue may be too high, which makes the teeth look longer than normal. The tissue may also be too low, which makes the teeth look small. According to the National Library of Medicine, the latter effect is known as a gummy smile, and it occurs when the gum line drops 4 mm or more.

“Most people probably do not think about their gums often except when they floss or are at the dentist’s office.”

Benefits of a Gum Contouring Procedure

Gum contouring offers both medical and cosmetic benefits. In general, reshaping the gum line improves one’s smile and helps prevent future dental issues. The specific benefits associated with this procedure include:

Evens the gum line: When the gum line is uneven, it can actually cause the teeth to look crooked. If the teeth do not look straight but the dentist says braces are not needed, contouring may be the answer. It can balance and even up the smile.
Reduces the gum line: When there is extra gum tissue, it can result in a gummy smile. It can also dull the color of the teeth. When this excess tissue is removed, one of the results is whiter-looking teeth, which greatly brightens the smile.
Fights tooth decay: One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is that it helps fight decay in the mouth. Excess gum tissue can trap food, which makes it harder to clean. This results in bacteria leading to tooth decay.

“One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is it helps fight decay in the mouth.”

The Procedure

The process of gum contouring typically takes only one office visit. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, which makes the procedure virtually painless. Two methods, a scalpel or laser, may be used to remove excess tissue and reshape the line of the gums. In many situations, the dentist will also remove a small bone piece at the root of each tooth.

Both the scalpel and laser methods are relatively quick, although the laser is a bit faster. Using a laser also seals the wound during the procedure, which makes for quick healing, minimal bleeding, and no stitches. The surgery also has permanent results because the gum tissue will not grow back.

“The process of gum contouring typically takes only one office visit.”

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Recovery and Aftercare

There is a recovery process associated with the reshaping of the gum line. On the day of the surgery, someone should drive the patient to and from the appointment since some type of anesthesia will be used. The patient should also rest the entire day to help with the healing process.

Patients should expect to feel a little soreness, and there may be some swelling around the gums. Discomfort and swelling can be managed with common over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol®, Advil®, and Motrin®. Patients should avoid aspirin, however, as this can increase the bleeding.

Patients need to be mindful of what they eat in the days following the procedure. Foods to avoid are those that are crunchy, spicy, difficult to chew, or have nuts or seeds. Patients should stick to soft foods that are cool, as heat can result in bleeding and other complications. Some examples of recommended foods include:

Applesauce
Pasta
Eggs
Soft vegetables
Mashed potatoes
Yogurt
Pudding

Proper oral care is essential to reduce any risks. The dentist will give specific instructions about brushing. Extra care should be taken until full recovery, which may take a week or longer.

“The patient should also rest the entire day to help with the healing process.”

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. Why would someone get gum reshaping?

Q. What are the benefits of getting a gum contouring procedure?

Q. What happens during the procedure?

Q. How should the patient take care of their mouth after?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What causes gum issues?

A. Gum issues are generally genetic, although there can be other causes. If the gum tissue hangs down and covers large areas of the teeth, this may be due to certain prescription drugs or health issues. If gums are too high, this may be due to gum recession, which is one of the signs of periodontal disease.

Q. Is there any discomfort with gum contouring?

A. Most patients do not notice any discomfort during the process due to the use of anesthesia. After the procedure, there may be some discomfort due to the swelling and tenderness of the area. This can be managed with ice packs or pain relievers.

Q. Is gum reshaping performed on all teeth?

A. Reshaping the gums is customizable for each patient. For some, contouring will be done on a whole row of teeth. For others, only one tooth may need the procedure. The dentist will sit down with you and design a plan that meets your needs, goals, and budget.

Q. Does insurance cover gum reshaping?

A. The cost of the procedure varies depending on several factors. Each insurance plan is different, and not all dental procedures are covered. Patients should talk with their insurance provider to get a better idea of coverage.

Q. Are there any risks associated with gum contouring?

A. All operations involve some risk, but the risks associated with gum reshaping are small. According to WebMD, there is the possibility that the patient will have an allergic reaction to the local anesthesia. There is also a slim chance the gum tissues will relapse.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Gum Disease Terminology

Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontitis, involving inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth and pockets forming as well.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease: Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection that causes lesions to form on the face and other symptoms due to the necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone.
Periapical Cyst: A periapical cyst is a pathological cavity, roots of the teeth, that typically has epithelium in the lining and contains fluid or soft matter.
Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is a serious inflammation of the gingival tissues and the periodontal membrane of the teeth that causes pain and helps form deeper gingival sulcus.
Periodontal Ligament: Periodontal ligaments are a group of tissue fibers that help attach the tooth to the alveolar bone, which can sustain damage from gum disease or improper oral hygiene.
Periodontal Pocket: A periodontal pocket is a potential area of space, known as a gingival sulcus, which is deeper than normal and can contain bacteria that cause an infection.
Periodontal Surgery: Periodontal surgery is the treatment of extreme levels of periodontal disease that can involve multiple techniques to remove the inflamed tissue and infection before it spreads.
Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical therapy that involves the removal of dental plaque in hard to reach places with patients who do not take proper care of their teeth.
Soft Tissue Graft: A soft tissue graft involves removing tissue from somewhere else on the patient’s body and attaches it to the gums to replace missing or damaged gum tissue.

Learn More About Gum Contouring

If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for gum reshaping, we can help. We will evaluate your gums and teeth, discuss your personal goals, and go over the most effective options. For additional questions about gum contouring, give our office a call at 714-332-4737.

Helpful Related Links

American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2022
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2022
WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2022

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R. Scott Smith DDS was established in 1981.
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