What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring (also called gum reshaping) is a procedure that dental providers (usually periodontists) use to change the appearance of your gums. Some people have a “gummy smile” that makes their teeth look short or boxy. Others have an uneven gum line that’s too high in some places and too low in others. Gum contouring removes excess gum tissue to make your smile look more uniform.
- Gummy smile: Makes teeth look short or boxy
- Uneven gum line: Gum is too high in some places and too low in others
- Receding gums: Can restore gum tissue
- Long teeth: Can smooth out an uneven gum line
What Does the Procedure Entail?
Before beginning surgery, Dr. Kashlan will give you local anesthesia to numb your gums. Our office also offers oral sedation to keep you comfortable. If you opt for sedation, you will need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
After that, the following process will take place:
- Excess Gum Tissue Removal: Dr. Kashlan will carefully remove the excess gum tissue once the patient is numb. This is accomplished with specialized lasers, and the patient’s requirements determine the extent of tissue removal. It might range from minimal contouring to primary tissue excision.
- Shaping and Contouring: After removing excessive gum tissue, the Dr. Kashlan will shape and contour the gum line to obtain a balanced and aesthetically acceptable appearance. This stage is critical, particularly in cosmetic gingivectomy treatments, because it influences the ultimate result.
Gum contouring surgery takes one to two hours, on average. Procedure length depends on a few factors, including how many teeth need treatment and whether you receive sedation.