A healthy gumline can keep your teeth in great shape for many years while also framing them so they show beautifully when you smile. Unfortunately, oral infections and other issues can leave a patient with an uneven gumline that may distract from an otherwise gorgeous grin, and some people show too much gum tissue in their smiles simply because they were born that way. Thankfully, gum recontouring can be a great way to reshape or rebuild gum structure so a patient can enjoy a healthier and more visually pleasing smile. Here’s a quick look at how gum recontouring works and how it can help.
What Is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring is a minor oral surgical procedure that involves removing some gum tissue to eliminate infections or reshape the smile. This treatment will only be performed after the patient has received an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort, and some people may also benefit from sedation treatments if they need a little extra help remaining calm and still. Your dentist will also be certain to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you can know exactly what to expect and how to keep your mouth healthy as it heals.
Gum Recontouring Can Be Used for Cosmetic Purposes
Showing a lot of gums when you smile isn’t usually of any medical concern, but some people may be self-conscious about grinning due to seemingly excessive appearance of pink soft tissue. In cases like these, a dentist may be able to reduce how much gum tissue shows up in a patient’s smile by removing a small amount of it from around the bases of the teeth. This can also be used to reveal more dental structure if the patient feels like their teeth are too small, which can help them show toothier grins, or to even out the smile of a person with an asymmetrical gumline.
Gum Recontouring Can Be Used to Treat Infection
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is mild inflammation that is typically easy to reverse with improved oral hygiene habits. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a destructive infection that causes permanent damage and will not get better without treatment from a qualified dentist. In cases of such infections, a dentist may use gum recontouring to remove compromised soft tissues that cannot be saved. This can reduce the risk of the infection spreading to other areas of the mouth and help the remaining tissue heal and reintegrate with the dental roots.
Gum recontouring may be an excellent way for you to achieve a healthier or more gorgeous smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your teeth in beautiful shape for life.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rose earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Nevada Dental Association, and the Seattle Study Club. His office in Las Vegas offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as gum recontouring services. To learn more about gum recontouring, contact his office on the web or dial (702) 459-8998.