Gum Contouring: The modern facelift 

What causes uneven gums? 

A variety of factors may cause gums that are too low or too high. Gums that cover a significant portion of your teeth may make them appear thin. This may be due to biology, a specific health issue, or the use of certain prescription medications. 

Gum recession, a disorder in which gum tissue falls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth’s base, is a common cause of gums that are too high and making the teeth look longer. Gum recession can cause severe dental problems such as decay and tooth loss, in addition to making your teeth appear longer. Periodontal disease, or the weakening of the supporting structure, may cause gum recession. 

Is Gum Contouring Surgery Required? 

Gum contouring is a beauty treatment in and of itself. The majority of the time, it isn’t medically needed. To enhance the look of their smile, most people have their gums reshaped. Gum contouring surgery is performed in some people as part of other periodontal procedures such as crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and regenerative procedures. 

Gum contouring treatments that aren’t considered cosmetic include reattaching lost gum tissue and trimming overgrown tissue that has obscured a portion of the tooth crown. 

What types of doctors perform gum contouring? 

Gum contouring may be done by various dentists, including general dentists and periodontists (gum specialists). Before you get the operation performed, inquire about your dentist’s expertise and experience with the procedure. 

How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost? 

The scope of the procedure determines the cost of gum contouring. Consult your dentist about the cost depending on your specific requirements. Gum contouring for aesthetic reasons is usually not covered by dental insurance. 

What to Expect from Gum Contouring?  

In the dentist’s clinic, gum contouring surgery is done. Gum contouring is currently done using scalpels, lasers, and radiosurgery by dentists. Inquire with your dentist about which technique is best for your case. 

Your doctor will go over what they would be doing during the operation with you before the surgery. To mark the new gum line, dentists often use a pen and draw a line. You’ll be able to see just how much gum will be extracted and how the gum line will be reshaped in this manner. To numb the region, a local anaesthetic may be used. 

To achieve the best long-term results, the bone at the front of the tooth’s root may also need to be extracted during gum contouring. 

The Dangers of Gum Contouring 

There are risks associated with any surgery. The following are some of the threats related to gum contouring: 
The anesthetic causes an allergic reaction (rare) 
Gum tissue relapse 
Consult your dentist to see if gum contouring surgery is appropriate for you if you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth and gums. But, as in any cosmetic operation, the result is dependent on the doctor’s expertise. 
Don’t just go to someone. Make sure you’ve done your share of research and are confident in the dentist’s skill. Inquire about the dentist’s different cosmetic dentistry experiences. Also, request to see pictures of their previous work to ensure that you like what you see. 
Recovery from Gum Contouring 

Rest and restrict your movements on the day of surgery. Your gums can take a few days or weeks to heal fully. Your dentist gives you detailed instructions on how you can possibly speed up the healing process. Here are some general pointers which might help you get through your recovery: 

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil as instructed by your dentist to alleviate pain. Aspirin, which may cause bleeding, should not be taken. 
The first few days after surgery, eat soft, cool foods like eggs, pasta, yogurt, cottage cheese, soft vegetables, and ice cream. Once your gums have healed properly, stay away from spicy foods and everything with seeds. 
During the healing process, follow your dentist’s instructions on when and how to clean your teeth. 
Call your dentist if you experience extreme swelling or bleeding after the operation or if you have any questions.