What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a simple outpatient procedure that is used to treat periodontal issues including gum recession, and uneven gum line, and a gummy smile.

To begin, your doctor will apply a topical numbing agent to the area before administering a local anesthetic. Once the anesthetic kicks in, your dentist can remove excess tissue and reshape uneven or receding tissue using a soft tissue laser or even a scalpel. If you have gum recession, your doctor can use a laser to reshape the tissue and eradicate any infection and plaque buildup in your gum pockets, allowing the gum tissue to heal closer to the surface of the tooth.

Another use for gum contouring is tooth restorations. Sometimes a tooth needs a crown or a bridge but there is not enough exposed tooth structure to allow for proper adhesion. your doctor can use contouring to lengthen the crown of your tooth, appropriately called “crown lengthening”.

What is a gummy smile?

Sometimes people have more gum tissue than usual and it gives the appearance of small teeth. This can actually be caused by genetics or even prescription medications. A gummy smile is easily corrected with gum contouring.

What is gum recession?

Poor oral hygiene, genetics, or certain medications can lead to periodontal disease. A buildup of plaque and bacteria in the gum pockets between the gum tissue and the tooth structure can cause the gum tissue to pull away from the surface of the teeth and lead to root sensitivity, jaw bone deterioration, and tooth loss. Your dentist can use gum contouring to clear infection and contour become tissue so that it heals closer to the tooth surface thereby preventing future infection.

Post Surgery Care

Pain management: After your gum contouring surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling and tenderness at your surgery site. If you or in any discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications should be enough to manage your pain. Make sure you do not take any medications containing aspirin so as not to promote bleeding.

Dietary restrictions: For the first few days, your doctor may advise you to maintain a liquid and soft food diet to protect your surgery site from infection. Foods to avoid include those that are crunchy, spicy, or acidic, And foods with seeds that can become trapped in the gun and irritate the area. Alcoholic, carbonated, and acidic beverages should not be consumed for at least a week after gum contouring.

Oral hygiene: Your doctor will advise you to make a few modifications to your oral hygiene routine while your gum tissue heals. It is important to continue brushing and flossing as usual but to be very gentle at your surgery site. It is also important to avoid any mouthwash that contains alcohol as that will burn and dry out the area. It is beneficial to rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution, especially after eating. This will help soothe the area and make sure no food debris is left behind.

More on Gum Contouring : Healing After Gum Contouring