A smile can be one of your most defining features, so it’s understandable why so many people choose to undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and straightening to make their smiles shine. Gum contouring, which involves dentists surgically reshaping the patient's gums, is gaining popularity. Below is a guide to help you understand the specifics of gum contouring before scheduling an appointment.

How Gum Contouring Works

The ideal candidate is someone who has healthy teeth, but they appear either too short or too long due to their gum line. These issues are typically caused by genetics, particular health problems, or taking certain prescription drugs.

The distorted appearance of the teeth is caused by gums that have receded too much or are simply uneven. This cosmetic dentistry procedure reshapes the gums for better-looking teeth. This is accomplished through a combination of laser dentistry and scalpel use.

A numbing solution is first used on the gums to eliminate pain. Then, the dentist will either cut away excessive gum tissue with a dental laser or restore gum tissue using a grafting method to create your ideal appearance.

What to Expect During Recovery

As with any cosmetic dentistry procedure, there is a recovery period after reshaping your gums. The length of this period depends on how extensive the procedure is. When a scalpel is needed to cut the gums, sutures will be used which increases the recovery time. If it’s just lasers being used, the recovery period is shorter.

Many people feel recovered after a few days, while it takes others a few weeks.  There will be some swelling and discomfort to deal with, but you can manage these issues by applying ice packs to the face for 15 minutes at a time and taking pain relief medication such as ibuprofen.

While in recovery, the gums will be sensitive, so there are certain restrictions that must be followed. Avoid eating anything that is sharp or could poke, cut, or irritate the gums. You’ll also need to brush your teeth gently to avoid aggravating the gums and use an antibiotic mouth rinse to avoid potential infections. Your doctor will give you permission to return to your normal habits during one of your follow-up appointments.

 

If you’re ready for this type of cosmetic dentistry procedure, contact the experts at The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry, PLLC in Whitefish, MT. As one of the area’s premier general dentistry providers, they offer basic services like oral exams and teeth cleanings, but also specialize in cosmetic services. They’ll work with you to reshape your gums so you can take pride in your smile. Schedule an appointment by calling (406) 862-1010 or learn more about their services online.