Gum Contouring
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that corrects the size and shape of gums above and below the front teeth. The treatment can be bought when a person is self-conscious due to the protuberance of their gums, otherwise referred to as a ‘gummy smile’. By lasering away gums immediately above the line of teeth, the appearance of one’s smile can be enhanced by restoring symmetry between the two types of tissue (gum and tooth).
Why Choose Gum Contouring?
As mentioned above, gum contouring can be helpful to dental patients who suffer from a ‘gummy smile’, uneven or misshapen gum line. It can be used to smooth out gum tissues and retract them when they are uneven or overly-noticeable. If a person feels self conscious about the aesthetic value of their gums for any reason they can invest in this treatment to help produce more-appealing facial harmony.
The Gum Contouring Procedure
The gum contouring procedure involves four stages: initial consultation and diagnosis, anesthesia, reshaping gums and recovery. During the initial consultation and diagnosis the dentist will ask what the desired outcomes of the treatment are and plan the procedure. Local anesthesia is delivered via injection into the gums to make sure no pain is felt during the operation. A laser is used to melt away parts of the gum that are undesirable. The laser eliminates tissue layer by layer until the desired shape is achieved. Recovery may involve avoiding certain crunchy or spicy foods, alcohol and tobacco for a few days as well as increased care when brushing and flossing.
Risks and Recovery
There are very few risks associated with gum contouring. Most of the risk lies within the anesthesia component of the treatment and the recovery period. If you are taking any medication it is fundamentally important to inform your dentist so that they can ensure the anesthesia does not mix poorly with your medicine. There is also a minor risk of infection developing during recovery if proper care of the mouth is not taken. Infection can usually be handled by rinsing with a saline solution.
Finding a Qualified Dentist
If you decide that you want to research gum contouring further, ensure that your dentist is certified, knowledgeable of the gum contouring procedure and in possession of the right equipment to get the job done painlessly and safely. Campsie Laser Dental is experienced with laser technology and familiar enough with the gum contouring procedure. Contact us to schedule and appointment and diagnosis today!
Contact Campsie Laser Dental
Contact our friendly staff if you suffer from a ‘gummy smile’, misshapen or uneven gums or if you need a general check-up. Call today on (02) 9789 6219.