Gum Contouring

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic form of dental treatment used to improve the general look of a person’s teeth. It is primarily used in cases where the individual has what is commonly known as ‘gummy smile’. This is a condition in which the gums cover too much of the teeth, usually the front teeth, and this can leave the length of the teeth looking too short, which can affect a person’s general desire to smile.

Such a condition may be caused due to genetics, health circumstances or as a result of certain high blood pressure prescriptions. This can have an affect on an individual’s self-confidence and may see them do their best not to smile in public. Thankfully, gum contouring is a dental treatment which is painless and able to solve the problem of ‘gummy smile’ through quick and painless treatment.

Why is gum contouring necessary?

Although not a medical risk, the excess gum growth can affect the formation of the smile, making the face appear lop-sided or having a skewed expression. Sometimes this condition is called a “gummy smile”. This can affect how the person feels about themselves, their self-esteem and mental health, and also how others respond. Gum Contouring reshapes the gums to allow a natural looking smile that builds confidence and is appealing to others.

Gum contouring procedure:

During the procedure your dentist will first apply a local anaesthetic to your gums. Once the area has been successfully numbed your dentist will then use a laser to cut away tiny parts of the overgrown gum tissue and contour the gums to improve their appearance when you smile. Using a laser has the added benefit of sealing the blood vessels within the gums which will improve healing time without causing a lot of discomfort or pain to the patient.

In some cases contouring the gums won't sufficiently alter them. In cases such as this your dentist may have to reduce the bone at the front of the root of your teeth. This is done to prevent the tissue growing back into its former position. Whilst slightly more complex than gum contouring this procedure is highly effective and shouldn't cause you much discomfort.

The risks:

Although the vast majority of gum contouring procedures are performed safely and effectively, as with all surgical procedures there are some risks involved. For instance, if too much gum tissue is removed then it may cause the mouth to heal incorrectly. This may cause swelling and will require another procedure to correct it. In rare cases where too much gum tissue is removed there may be a longer recovery period.