While many only think of the teeth when considering the appearance of your smile, the gums play a large role as well. Many people are self-conscious of a “gummy smile,” with more of the gums visible than they would prefer. Thankfully, dentists like Dr. Tadros offer gum contouring to refine the gumline and create a smile you can be proud of.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring reshapes the gums using lasers, scalpels, or grafts. This can either reduce the gums, creating the appearance of elongated teeth and treating a gummy smile, or increase the size of the gums, which can be beneficial for patients with gum disease or otherwise receding gums.
Am I a Candidate for Gum Contouring?
Most candidates who are self-conscious about the appearance of their gums or who need to restore receding gums are good candidates for this procedure. Before you undergo gum contouring, our dentist, Dr. Tadros, will evaluate the overall health of your teeth and gums to ensure that you are a good candidate. If you have gum disease, it is important to resolve this condition before your gum contouring can be completed. Dr. Tadros will create a treatment plan that’s right for your health and cosmetic goals.
What Does the Gum Contouring Procedure Involve?
Before your gum contouring procedure, you will receive local anesthesia so the gum area is completely numb. Dr. Tadros will then use a scalpel or laser to removed excess gum tissue, creating a natural-looking contour which exposes a suitable amount of teeth and improves the overall appearance of your smile.
If your gums have receded, tissue grafts may be used to reshape the gumline. This involves removing soft tissue from an area of the mouth such as the palate and moving it to the gums to cover more of the teeth. Dr. Tadros will then secure this grafted tissue in place.
Depending on the extent of your gum contouring procedure, the process typically takes about one to two hours. Patients can drive themselves home immediately after the procedure is complete.
What Can I Expect in My Recovery After Gum Contouring?
After gum contouring, you will experience some tenderness or sensitivity in the gums and should stick to soft foods or a liquid diet for the first two to three days. Many patients also choose to take this time away from work, school, or other routines as they recover. You may also be given an antibiotic rinse to prevent infection throughout the recovery process. Dr. Tadros will give you specific instructions for your recovery period, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled no more than a week after your gum contouring to check in on your healing progress.
Schedule Your Gum Contouring Appointment
If you are self-conscious of a gummy smile, concerned about receding gums, or see signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment at Beauty and the Teeth Dental. Dr. Tadros will assess your gums and create a treatment plan so you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile. Call our Fort Lauderdale, FL office at (954) 519-7465 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.