Many people dislike the way their mouth looks due to problems with the teeth, such as misalignment or discoloration. In some cases, however, aesthetic flaws in a smile have nothing to do with the teeth themselves. Instead, they come from the shape and volume of the gum tissue. An ideal grin is well-proportioned; the gums form a subtle framework for the teeth. However, if you have too much gum tissue, or the gums are uneven, you may hold back from letting others enjoy the radiance of your smile because it looks “gummy.” Thanks to gum recontouring, however, you may be able to achieve a proportionate smile that you’re proud to show off.
Gum recontouring is a minimally invasive procedure, wherein we remove excess gum tissue and even out the gum line. A soft tissue laser helps the treatment to be as efficient and precise as possible.
You may benefit from gum recontouring if:
During the gum recontouring procedure, your cosmetic dentist will use a soft tissue laser to gently reshape the gum line. The laser cauterizes the tissue as it moves, which minimizes bleeding and eliminates the need for sutures. The entire procedure should be quite comfortable, and you can expect it to take just an hour or so.
Following gum recontouring, you should stick to eating soft, cool foods for a time while your tissue heals. You should also avoid spicy foods and be very careful when you are cleaning your teeth. Your dentist will provide you with more detailed instructions on how to make your recovery proceed as smoothly as possible.
Essentially, yes crown lengthening and gum recontouring are the same thing. The main difference between the procedures is the reason for performing them. Gum recontouring creates a more even gum line and is a solely cosmetic purpose. Crown lengthening, on the other hand, may be necessary for a patient’s oral health. It is performed to expose more of a tooth’s structure in order to make it possible to place a restoration, such as a crown, on the tooth.
Would you like to learn more about how our team can free you from the embarrassment of your gummy smile? Contact Southeastern Dental Care Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today.