A gum lift or gum contouring procedure involves removing excess gum tissue by shaping and contouring what a patient might refer to as the gummy section of their smile. A dentist or a prosthodontist may initiate this procedure by gently sculpting the gum level with a diode laser. This reshapes the smile and removes excess gum. The major benefit of going through a gum lift is that the procedure is fast and painless.
One of our board-certified Prosthodontist will sit down with you to develop a treatment plan to accomplish your end goals with as little time and as few invasive procedures as possible. It’s time for that incredible new smile!
Causes for Gum Lifts and Contouring
When too much gum tissue begins to cover the teeth, the appearance of the smile can become gummy and the teeth of the patient appear smaller. This often happens as a result of hormonal changes, medication side effects or wearing braces. Since a person’s smile is made up of more than just teeth, it is important to ensure that the proportion of their gums matches the overall teeth size and shape.
One of the most misunderstood and overlooked aspects of a person’s smile is their gums. If the gums are uneven or if they have grown too far down, this could affect the overall aesthetic impact of the smile. There is a certain amount of gum tissue required around the teeth in order to have a healthy tooth to gum interface.
This is known as biologic width. If you have a gummy smile that is incapable of being improved with the laser alone, there are other options available that you can discuss with one of our board-certified Prosthodontists. The best way to determine whether or not someone can help with your gummy smile is to schedule a consultation appointment to discuss your primary needs. Leading edge cosmetic procedures can help to give painless and powerful results.
90210 Gum Lift and Gum Contouring
This procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic and typically doesn’t take longer than half an hour. Either a laser or a scalpel is used to take out excess tissue and to reshape the gum.
For several days after the procedure, you may experience some discomfort level and a dentist will provide you with clear instructions about cleaning the area, as well as how to alleviate or minimize any discomfort. Excess gum tissue can be removed simply and effectively with the help of the right dentist.
Gum Lifting and Contouring Concerns
The aesthetic results of gum contouring can be variable and unpredictable. It is very dependent upon the pre-operative assessment conducted by your dentist as well as the excellent skill of the operator. Some of the challenges associated with this procedure include ongoing sensitivity, longer healing times or relapse.
How long will Gum Contouring last?
The effects of gum contouring may be permanent, particularly if any related bones were removed at the same time. However, the risk of over growth or any pigmentation coming back may be high depending on the primary cause.
Gum Contouring Experience
You may wish to discuss many different aspects of the procedure directly with our board-certified dentists before you decide to go through this treatment. This includes asking about the dentist’s skills and experience, alternative treatments, cost and how suitable a candidate you are for a gum contouring. Your suitability for gum contouring can only be determined after your dentist has assessed numerous factors including the overall medical and dental health, the extent, and cause or excess gum tissues, the level of pigmentation and gum over growth.
Gum Lifting and Contouring Recovery
Recovery from a gum contouring procedure typically involves mild discomfort, but it is relatively easy to go back to your normal activities after the procedure. A patient may report experiencing painful or swollen gums for up to a week and it is recommended that patients avoid tough, seeded or spicy foods during this time. In our San Diego office, gum contouring is typically provided as more of a comprehensive treatment plan for the overall look of a patient’s smile. Dental crowns or porcelain veneers are other common aspects that may be included in the process at the same time. The cost of your gum lifting treatment may be covered through financing. For more information about the cost of gum lift and contouring contact our San Diego office and get more information from one of our friendly staff.
