Gum contouring is not a new procedure. In fact, dentists and oral surgeons have been performing this procedure on patients for several decades. But the procedure now used in gum contouring is new, and it’s all due to laser technology! Thanks to the advent of dental lasers, gum contouring is a relatively fast procedure that is virtually pain-free. And because the laser cauterizes the gum tissue at the time of removal, the amount of bleeding during the procedure is greatly reduced and the time it takes for a patient to recover afterwards is a fraction of what it was when scalpels were used. This remarkable procedure can benefit people who suffer from either of the following oral health issues:
- A “gummy” smile – People whose gums extend too far down the surface of their front teeth are often unhappy with the appearance of their smiles. The excess gum tissue can make their teeth look abnormally short and can ruin what would otherwise be a beautiful smile. This is the condition that is most often treated with gum contouring – typically in just a single visit to the dentist’s office!
- Uneven gum line – Some people may have gum tissue that extends too far down on some teeth, while other teeth have a normal gum line. This condition can also detract from a person’s smile, making him or her feel self-conscious. Once again, gum contouring can resolve this issue in one short trip to the dentist’s office.
Are You a Good Candidate for Gum Contouring?
The most likely answer to this question is “yes.” That’s because virtually anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their smile by reshaping gum tissue can safely undergo a gum contouring procedure. Having said that, we should remind you that you’ll need to be in good overall oral health before your dentist or oral surgeon will perform the procedure. So 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.
Recovering from Gum Contouring
The gum contouring procedure involves the dentist or oral surgeon marking the desired gum line onto gum tissue, then removing that excess tissue using a specially designed laser. As we mentioned before, the laser is virtually pain-free and cauterizes at the same time as it removes the tissue, meaning that the patient experiences very little bleeding during the process. But 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.
To find out more about gum contouring and whether or not you are a good candidate for this procedure, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment today.
