Is Gum Contouring Right for You?
Patients who have excessive gingival tissue (known as a gummy smile) or uneven gumlines can suffer from feelings of self-consciousness, and may avoid smiling in public or for photographs as a consequence. If this sounds like you, you may be an excellent candidate for a gum contouring procedure. This simple procedure corrects uneven gumlines by removing excess gingival tissue to create a harmonious balance between your teeth and gums. While gum contouring is most frequently performed as a cosmetic procedure, it can also be done to help halt and correct periodontal disease, or as part of a larger rehabilitation plan, which may involve procedures such as crowns fillings, porcelain veneers, and/or bridges.
To determine if you are a good candidate for gum contouring, an initial consultation will be necessary to determine what, if any underlying condition has caused your gummy smile or uneven gumline. Oftentimes there is no underlying condition and the gumline is simply the result of genetic predisposition, however, it is important to rule out any potential issues such as delayed passive eruption, lip elevator muscle hyperfunction, or excessive maxilla bone growth.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Gum Contouring
If you are uncertain whether gum contouring is right for you, it may be helpful to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to having or not having this procedure performed. One big consideration is the cost of the procedure. When performed strictly for cosmetic reasons, gum contouring is not typically covered by dental insurance plans. While the cost of this procedure is certainly an important consideration, keep in mind that, following the gum contouring procedure, many patients experience a significant improvement in their overall self-confidence due to having an even, aesthetically pleasing smile.
In addition to providing you with almost immediate results, the gum contouring procedure is also relatively painless, can often be competed in just one visit, provides long-lasting results, and can help patients improve their overall oral health self-care. Additionally, gum contouring is very safe, with little risk of complications developing. As with any procedure, however, there are some risks involved, such as the possibility of developing an infection, relapse of gum tissue, and in very rare cases, an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
Another factor that should be considered when determining whether gum contouring is right for you is the discomfort and recovery process you will have to undergo following the procedure. Gum contouring is relatively painless; however, you will likely experience some discomfort for the first few days following the gum contouring procedure. You will also need to modify your diet and oral hygiene habits while the area where gum contouring has been performed heals fully, a process that can take a few days or up to a few weeks, depending on the severity of your case and your body’s natural healing rate.
If you have any additional questions about gum contouring and whether it is right for you, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at (727) 877-0011 or fill out an online form.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to improving your oral health, the esthetic appearance of your smile, and your overall quality of life!