There are many reasons people turn towards cosmetic dentistry. Many patients are frustrated with a gummy smile. When they smile, more of their gums are visible than their teeth. They are frustrated with their smile but are afraid that there’s little that can be done about it.
Having a beautiful smile is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also because it raises self-esteem, improves confidence and benefits mental health. If you’re born with uneven gums, however, it might be more difficult than you’d expect to develop the confidence to smile. Fortunately, procedures such as cosmetic gum reshaping and contouring are possible thanks to modern dental technology. Periodontal gum contouring is performed for therapeutic and medical purposes, according to Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
In the past, gum reshaping surgery could be a long and painful endeavor. Gum reshaping surgery used to require the use of scalpels to cut away tissue. This technique leads to long healing times and held the risk of potential complications.
Today, Gum reshaping is performed in the offices of most qualified dentists and periodontists. The patient receives a mild local anesthetic to numb the gums, and the dentist uses a soft tissue laser to trim away the excess gum tissue while sealing the remaining tissue at the same time. Laser technology removes blood, stitches, and scalpels from the process of gum reshaping. This technique also allows you to heal faster and lowers your risk of infection.
Crown lengthening can help with a “gummy smile,” according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The laser is used to recontour and then seal the tissue to create the ideal shape and prevent ongoing bleeding. The dentist can also use the laser to eradicate hollows that trap bacteria to prevent future infections.
If you’re interested in having your gums reshaped, then we encourage you to schedule a consultation with your dentist to see if this procedure is right for you.
Both gum reshaping and crown lengthening require the removal and reshaping of your gum tissue. Our special soft-tissue lasers allow us to provide a comfortable procedure without the need for making incisions into your gums.
After your procedure, the healing process is relatively quick and easy. However, there are some activities you will need to refrain from while your gums are healing. You’ll need to avoid eating solid foods for the first couple of days after your treatment, a liquid diet is best. Although you will be on a liquid diet, you’ll need to refrain from using a straw as suction could cause discomfort.
You’ll also need to avoid for brushing your teeth until your teeth heal; instead, we will provide you an antimicrobial mouthwash to clean your mouth.
Until the gums have fully healed, daily brushing and flossing may need to be more gentle than usual to avoid irritating the sensitive tissue. This could cause bleeding and the development of infection. Use a gentle, cleansing mouth rinse for Gum Health that kills most germs on contact without the burn of alcohol on sensitive gums. Most importantly, you’ll need to avoid smoking until your gums heal, as the chemicals in cigarettes can cause a secondary infection in your soft-tissue.
There’s no need to just live with the smile you have. Modern dental science offers a wide range of possible treatments to improve both your appearance and your health. Your dentist can help you decide whether gum reshaping is right for you.
Are you tired of having a gummy smile? Then schedule a consultation at Eagle Rock Dental Care to walk you through the process!
