Gum contouring surgery, also known as tissue sculpting or gum reshaping, can improve your smile by evening out an uneven gum line.
Gummy smiles are a common dental problem that occurs due to genetics, gum disease or poor oral hygiene habits.
Cosmetic gum surgery can also be used to correct dark spots on the gums that occur with certain tooth-correction treatments such as bonding or veneers.
Aesthetics
Your smile is the first thing that others notice about you, and it can be a major factor in your self-esteem.
Cosmetic gum surgery helps reshape your smile to improve its appearance. Whether you have a gummy smile that exposes too much of your gum tissue or you have receding gums that make teeth appear longer, we can correct these issues using lasers and scalpels to create more desirable ratios for tooth length and width.
Receding gums can cause a number of oral health problems, such as decreased stability and support of your teeth and exposure of the tooth root. These problems can also lead to tooth sensitivity and increased risks of gum disease or decay.
Aesthetic gum grafting, or soft tissue grafting, can correct these problems by covering the exposed tooth roots and encouraging the recreation of your gum tissue. This surgery is safe for most patients and requires less invasive procedures than traditional surgical techniques. It is minimally invasive and reduces bleeding and swelling, shortening your recovery time.
Prevention
Cosmetic gum surgery can improve the appearance of your smile and teeth. It can also restore health to your mouth and prevent or treat other problems caused by weak or damaged gum tissue.
If your gums have receded, or pulled back from your teeth, it exposes tooth roots to decay and possible loss. This condition can be caused by many different things, including periodontal disease and premature wear and tear of the gums and teeth.
Gum recession can make your teeth look long, but it can also be a symptom of periodontal disease, a serious dental problem that can lead to other health complications.
The gum tissue around your teeth serves to protect them from decay, abrasion and bacteria. A simple surgical procedure called a gum graft can help correct this issue.
Preparation
Gum reshaping is a cosmetic gum surgery that can improve the appearance of your smile. The procedure involves removing excess gum tissue to make your teeth appear longer.
The treatment can also be used to address gum recession, which makes your teeth look shorter and may lead to sensitivity and tooth loss. During the surgery, excess tissue is removed and replaced with healthy tissue from elsewhere in your mouth.
Depending on the extent of your gum tissue, you may need a bone graft as well. This is a common procedure that uses a synthetic or donated bone to help stimulate natural regrowth of bone around your teeth.
In addition, you should follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take care of your gums after surgery. You should avoid certain foods that can irritate the gums or cause bleeding. You might also need a prescription mouthwash to help promote healing and kill bacteria.
Recovery
After gum surgery, patients are likely to experience some pain and discomfort, but it should subside soon. During this time, it is important to take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
Your dentist may also recommend a mouthwash to keep the gums clean and prevent infection. This mouthwash should be used as often as necessary and should not contain alcohol or other irritants.
During this time, you should eat soft foods that are easy to chew. Avoid spicy or crunchy foods as these can aggravate your gums and cause discomfort.
You should also rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution as frequently as possible to keep your gums clean. You should also avoid smoking and drinking any liquids that are hot or cold.
Swelling and tenderness should begin to subside within a few days and scabs will fall off on their own. If these side effects persist, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.