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Gum Contouring Surgery
When gums are too low or too high against the teeth people will often opt for gum contouring to improve their smile. Gum contouring surgery that is also called gum tissue sculpting or gum reshaping will give a more uniform appearance to an uneven gum line and give you a more confident smile.
What makes gums uneven?
There are several reasons for gums being too high or too low. When gums cover a big proportion of your teeth it may make the teeth look small. This may be due to genetics, a specific health problem, or might be the result of taking certain prescription drugs. Gums that are too high will make teeth look long and may be due to receding gums where gums pull back from the teeth exposing the root of the tooth. Gum recession as well as making your teeth look long, might also lead to decay and tooth loss. Gum recession might also be an indication that there is periodontal disease with the deterioration of gums and bone.
When gum reshaping is recommended?
Do you feel or notice that you have a “gummy” smile?
Reshaping Gums is an elective procedure. Patients who want to enhance the presence of their grin, it is suggested to them.
For gum reshaping, you may have to answer this agenda:
- Do your teeth appear small while most of your gums show when you smile?
- Do you want to make your teeth look longer and bigger?
- Are you willing to shell out for the procedure, considering it’s a cosmetic treatment not covered by insurance?
- Are you ready to endure the down time after the surgery, typically three to four days of soft diet and mild physical activity?
If your answer is yes then you can discuss your gum reshaping topic with your nearest Dentist through face to face consultation. He will explain you the total cosmetic gum surgery procedure from top to bottom and its pros and cons, and its costs.
What are the benefits of gum reshaping?
Gum tissue sculpting or reshaping is mainly a cosmetic treatment procedure and its advantages are focused on the aesthetics of your smile. When your uneven gums are reshaped, you will feel more confident, because you won’t have the “gummy” smile that you dislike anymore. Your smile will also show more of your teeth not your misaligned gums. You won’t feel like you have baby teeth anymore because the uneven excess gums covering your teeth will be removed and reshaped, making your teeth look longer and healthier. Sometimes it is carried out as part of other periodontal gum surgery procedure, such as pocket reduction, crown lengthening, or certain regenerative procedures.
Gum contouring procedures that are not considered cosmetic are:
- Surgery to add gum tissue after recession
- Surgery to trim overgrown tissue covering part of a tooth crown.
Who would perform gum contouring surgery?
Often general dentists and periodontists (specialists in gums) will perform gum-contouring procedures. Dentists Near Me will find local dentists for you, whom you can ask about their experience and knowledge in this field.
How much does gum contouring cost
The cost of this treatment will depend on how much work needs to be done. Talk to your dentist about costs based on your individual requirements. Dental insurance will not typically cover cosmetic gum-contouring.
What can I expect with gum contouring?
Gum contouring surgery will be carried out in the dentist's office typically with lasers, scalpels, and radiosurgery. Your dentist will talk over with you which technique would be best for you.
Often, dentists will use a pen to draw a line marking the new gum line showing how much gum is to be removed and how the gum line is to be reshaped. A local anaesthetic will be applied to make the area numb. Bone in front of the tooth's root may also be taken away to ensure the best long-term results.
Recovering from gum contouring:
Dentists advise that on the day of surgery, you should take it easy. It might well take from a few days or weeks for the operated gums to completely heal. You will be given very precise instructions as to what needs to be done to ensure that the gum contouring recovery process goes smoothly.
These are some general tips:
- If you need them take an over-the-counter pain reliever or whatever your dentists advises.Avoid taking Aspirin that can cause bleeding.
- Eat soft, cool foods, like pasta, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, some soft vegetables, and ice cream, for a few days after your surgery. Keep away from spicy foods and anything with small seeds until your gums have had a chance to heal completely.
- Always follow directions on how and when you can brush your teeth while you are healing.
Call your dentist or periodontist if there is any excessive bleeding or swelling, or if you are worried about anything after your gum disease surgery.
Gum Contouring: The Risks
No surgery is ever without any risk. With gum contouring risks include:
- Rarely, there might be an allergic reaction to anaesthetic
- Gum tissue might relapse
If you are unhappy with the way your gums and teeth and appear, talk to your dentist to see if gum-contouring surgery is the right treatment for you. The end result will always depend on the skill of the dentist. Do your homework and find someone experienced. Dentists Near Me will find you dentists skilled in this kind of procedure at a location convenient to you.