Gum Contouring

Gumlines are different between each person. They can be high, low, in the middle, or crooked. If you feel self-conscious about your gumline, there are ways to change it. Gum contouring, also known as gingival sculpting or gingivoplasty, is one of the options that can help reshape your gumline. Bamboo Dental offers laser gum removal to help with crooked or gummy smiles.

In some cases, your dentist may suggest gum contouring if you have issues with your gums, which are affecting your oral health.

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure done by a dental specialist, that reshapes your gumline.

The process of gum contouring involves cutting away or removing excess gum tissue around your teeth. If you have gum recession, the material may be used to restore gum tissue. In most cases, gum contouring is an elective procedure, meaning it isn't medically necessary. Instead, it is often done to improve the look of your gums, teeth, and/or smile.

When is Gum Contouring Medically Necessary?

Most of the time, gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure. But it is possible that it is done for medical reasons.

Gum contouring can be a solution to certain cases of periodontal disease. However, your dentist will likely recommend trying non-surgical solutions first. Such options could include antibiotics to kill bacteria and infection or dental cleanings to restore gum health.

If non-surgical methods do not work, your dentist may recommend pocket reduction surgery to save your tooth. Or you may need a regeneration procedure to regrow the damaged bone and gum tissue. Gum contouring may be part of these solutions. If so, dental insurance may cover the cost partially or completely if it is deemed medically necessary. You will need to speak with your dental insurance provider to find out more information of coverage.

What does Gum Contouring Involve?

Gum contouring is usually done by a periodontist or a cosmetic dentist. It is an in-office procedure that can usually be finished in one visit. In most cases you will stay awake during the procedure. Before starting, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the gum area being worked on.

Here at Bamboo Dental, we use a soft tissue laser to remove the excess gum tissue and resculpt the gumline to expose more of the tooth. If your gums recede and your surgeon needs to add gum tissue, the excess gum tissue may be used to lengthen or restructure your gumline.

Gum Contouring Recovery

Gum contouring has little downtime, but complete healing may take days or weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. Your may want to limit some activities depending on your comfort level.

Your gums and mouth are likely to feel sensitive for the first few days after surgery. During this time, you may wish to eat soft foods such as:

• soup
• yogurt
• Jell-O

Your surgeon will provide you with post-surgery instructions and inform you of any dietary restrictions during recovery.

You will likely require a follow-up appointment a few days or a week after the procedure. During your follow-up, your surgeon will check your gums to monitor your healing progress and check for signs of infection. They may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse to reduce the risk of infection. Signs of infection include:

• increased pain
• swelling
• discharge from the gums