Gum Contouring
Gum Contouring is a simple procedure that can reshape your gums and balance your gum-to-tooth ratio for a more proportional, symmetrical appearance.
If you are unhappy with the way your gums look when you smile, you may not realize that the appearance of your gums can be changed.
Whether you have a “gummy” smile, uneven gum lines, or undersized teeth that are hidden by your gums, laser gum contouring performed by Dr. Jim Peck at Smile New Braunfels can reshape your gum line for dramatic cosmetic improvements.
What is “Gum Contouring”?
Gum contouring is a precise cosmetic procedure performed by an experienced dentist to reshape excess or uneven gum tissue, improving the balance and appearance of your smile. Using advanced techniques—such as laser therapy or traditional surgical tools—a skilled clinician carefully removes or repositions gum tissue to create a symmetrical gum line, expose more of the tooth when a “gummy” smile is present, or even correct gingival overgrowth caused by medications or genetics.
What does the Gum Contouring process look like?
The gum contouring process is relatively simple and usually done in a dental office:
Numbing the area: A local anesthetic is used so you feel little to no discomfort.
Reshaping the gum line: With a laser, gum tissue is gently vaporized, which also seals blood vessels, reducing bleeding and speeding healing.
Sculpting for aesthetics: The dentist ensures the gum line follows the natural shape of your teeth, giving your smile a more balanced look.
Aftercare: The area is cleaned, and post-treatment instructions are given to help with healing.
Laser contouring has become more popular because it’s quicker, involves less discomfort, and often results in a faster recovery. However, traditional methods are still effective and may be preferred in certain cases.
How long does Gum Contouring take?
The procedure is typically quick, can often be performed with local anesthesia, and involves minimal discomfort and a short recovery period.
Who is a good candidate for Gum Contouring?
You should have sufficient healthy tissue to allow for safe reshaping without compromising the protective function of your gums. need to be in good overall oral health before your dentist or oral surgeon will perform the procedure. If you have problems like gum disease or tooth decay, for example, your dentist will want to resolve these before perform the gum contouring procedure.
What are the risks of Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and possible complications. For most healthy patients, the risks of gum contouring are minimal. However, patients taking blood-thinning medications need careful evaluation and may require temporary adjustments to their medication regimen before treatment. Those with uncontrolled diabetes should achieve better blood sugar management before undergoing the procedure, as proper healing requires stable glucose levels.
How much does Gum Contouring cost?
The cost of gum contouring varies depending on the amount of gum that is treated. The cost can range anywhere from $300 to $3,000. Treating a single tooth will cost significantly less than making alterations to the entire gum line.
The extent of treatment needed will affect your overall fee. One tooth ranges from $50 to $350 with the fee for all front teeth ranging from $1000 to $3000. If your Dentist can provide treatment, their fee may be significantly lower than that of a Periodontist, who specializes in gums.
Schedule Gum Contouring in New Braunfels
When completed by a knowledgeable, detail-oriented dentist, gum contouring enhances smile aesthetics while preserving gum health and function, providing durable, natural-looking results.
Ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Peck at our New Braunfels Dental Office? Give us a call at (830) 629-8011.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Treatment for a gummy smile or uneven gum line is usually considered cosmetic and not likely to be covered by dental insurance. Treatment for gum recession, however, may be deemed medically necessary and your insurance may cover some of the cost.
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It does take some time to heal afterwards. You’ll need to stay away from certain foods and drinks, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and take special precautions when brushing and flossing. Fortunately, your gums will look normal after just a few days, and will be completely healed within a few weeks, if not sooner.
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Generally, gum contouring is considered a permanent solution to excess gums. In the majority of cases, gum contouring is a one-time procedure with lifetime benefits. However, the permanence of these results can be influenced by your ongoing oral hygiene and overall dental health. Some may experience gum tissue regrowth over time, but this can often be managed with follow-up treatments.