3 Things to Know About Gum Contouring

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Cosmetic dentists offer a lot of different services that are all designed to improve the looks of teeth and smiles, and you can receive services to improve your smile if you are interested in this. One of the services you might want to talk to your dentist about is gum contouring, which is a procedure that dentists use to change the appearance of a smile by modifying a person's gums.

Who benefits from gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure used only in situations where a person's gums are shaped or extended in ways that make the person's teeth look bad. For example, a person could benefit from this procedure if he or she has a gummy smile. A "gummy smile" refers to when a person's gums extend too far over the teeth, covering too much tooth. In some cases, people benefit from this if they have an uneven gum line. Gum contouring is also used for situations where the gums do not cover the teeth enough. Dentists can add gums to the gum lines, making them longer and more even.

What does the process involve?

To contour your gums, a dentist will often use a laser to cut the excess gums away; however, some dentists still use a scalpel for this procedure. The dentist must then remove these pieces from your mouth. Getting this completed will require anesthesia, as the process can be painful without it, but it does not typically take a long time to go through. After having this done, you can expect to feel some pain and sensitivity with your teeth and gums, and your dentist will give you instructions for caring for your mouth while it heals. The instructions may include swishing with a mouth rinse to keep the gums clean and free of infection.

What considerations are made before using this procedure?

Before you can go through gum contouring services, you will need to meet with a dentist. The dentist will need to fully examine your mouth to see what problems you have. The dentist may also want to take X-rays of your teeth, simply to make sure there are no cavities and that you do not have any infections or problems with your jawbone. The dentist must also make sure that performing gum contouring would achieve the results you are hoping for.

To learn more about gum contouring and other procedures that could help improve your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist in your city.


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