gum contouring
operatory sanitized and prepped

Gum Contouring Can Help You Get Rid of Gummy Smiles

Straight, pearly white teeth aren’t the only considerations when it comes to creating a beautiful smile. Excess gum tissue, often referred to as a “gummy smile,” can influence your appearance and overall confidence when you smile. This cosmetic issue can be easily corrected with gum contouring.

Laser gum contouring is a safe cosmetic dentistry technique that uses lasers instead of traditional scalpels. This procedure offers less discomfort, quicker healing time, and more predictable results. Gum reshaping is a conservative treatment approach and is often all that’s needed to achieve a healthy, even smile.

Midlothian Family Dentistry is proud to offer the latest in laser dentistry as an innovative form of dental care. This minimally invasive option for gum shaping can quickly adjust a “gummy smile,” treat gum disease and other gum-related conditions.

before and after comparison of gum contouring

Is Gum Contouring Right for You?

Gum health is a core aspect of good oral health. Although a gum lift is a cosmetic procedure, it can improve overall gum life as well as your quality of life.

  • Have teeth that look too short
  • Have excessive gum tissue show when you smile
  • Have bulging gum tissue surrounding your teeth
  • Have an uneven gum line
  • Have teeth that appear crooked due to gum tissue
  • Have gum disease or other related gum conditions impacting your oral health

FAQs

What should I expect?

Every patient has unique needs. Midlothian Family Dentistry will customize your gum contouring procedure to meet your individual concerns. Gum reduction surgery will require local anesthesia to numb the area. Your MFD dentist will ensure you receive the utmost care and are comfortable throughout the entire appointment. Once you’re ready to begin, your dentist will use the dental laser to carefully remove excess gum tissue. You should not feel any pain during the procedure.

How long will it take to recover?

MFD recommends patients rest or limit activities following a gum lift procedure. It will take several days for your gums to fully heal, but most patients can return to their everyday lives by the next day. As your gums heal, try to avoid spicy food as well as food with tiny seeds, such as berries. Instead, eat cool, soft foods like yogurt and oatmeal. Make sure to maintain good oral health but be gentle while brushing and flossing as your gum tissue may be slightly swollen and irritated.

Are there risks involved?

By using an advanced dental laser, gum contouring is a very safe procedure that minimizes bleeding and kills bacteria as it works, reducing the risk of infection. MFD will provide full aftercare instructions to ensure a quick and risk-free recovery.

Does gum reshaping hurt?

With proper sedation, our patients do not feel any pain during gum reshaping procedures. Patients can expect to feel some mild discomfort or soreness afterward, which can be managed using over-the-counter pain medications.

Interested in gum contouring?

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