If you feel that your gums detract from the look of your smile, gum contouring may be the most appropriate cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. This procedure is a conservative, minimally invasive way to improve large or uneven gums. Gum contouring has minimal side effects and can give you a bigger, healthier-looking smile in minutes.
At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full spectrum of cosmetic care. Contact us today to learn more about gum contouring and to find out if it is the optimal treatment for you.
What Is Gum Contouring?
During gum contouring, also known as a gum lift, Dr. Bridges will remove a tiny amount of soft tissue to raise and reshape your gum line. Your gums will be numb during the procedure, and Dr. Bridges will only remove a few millimeters of tissue at most. Therefore, you should experience minimal discomfort.
Treatment for a Gummy Smile
A gum lift can address a condition known as a “gummy smile.” This condition does not have any adverse health effects. Nonetheless, when you have excess gum tissue, it can have a notable impact on your appearance, making your teeth look small or worn down. It may make you appear older than you are or, conversely, it can give your smile a childlike look.
Excess gum tissue, also known as gingival hyperplasia or hypertrophy, can occur for a number of reasons. These include:
- Inflammation due to a buildup of plaque on the teeth
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy
- Hormone imbalances
- Diseases such as leukemia
In many cases, gingival hyperplasia is simply congenital.
Candidates for Gum Contouring
If you have a gummy smile or a crooked gum line, gum contouring may be right for you. Before undergoing a gum lift, however, you should have good dental and periodontal health. If you have active decay or gum disease, Dr. Bridges will need to treat these conditions before beginning cosmetic care.
What to Expect after Treatment
Following a gum lift, you should expect some minor swelling and inflammation. Typically, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are enough to keep discomfort at bay. While the treatment requires little downtime, you may need to limit strenuous activity for a few days.
For at least two or three days following surgery, you will need to eat a soft diet to avoid irritating your sensitive tissue. Some good foods to include in your diet are:
- Cottage cheese
- Scrambled eggs
- Soups without large bits of meat
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
A full recovery should take no more than a few weeks.
Combining Gum Contouring with Other Cosmetic Procedures
Gum contouring can have dramatic effects for your smile by itself. Nonetheless, many patients choose to combine a gum lift with additional treatment for even more comprehensive effects. Common procedures to combine include:
- Porcelain veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Tooth contouring
- Composite veneers (dental bonding)
Dr. Bridges can advise you regarding which procedure or procedures you ought to undergo first.
Contact Us to Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation
Learn more about gum contouring and the results you can expect. To contact us, you can send us a message online or you can call us at (580) 255-4880. Dr. Bridges and his friendly team proudly treat patients in Duncan, OK, and the nearby communities.
