at Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Coastal Jaw Surgery
GUMMY SMILE & GUM CONTOURING FOR EXCESSIVE GINGIVAL DISPLAY
A gummy smile describes excessive gingival display, where more gum tissue than usual is visible when smiling. This can make the teeth appear shorter than they actually are. A gummy smile can result from several factors, including altered tooth eruption, excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw, overactivity of the upper lip muscles, tooth position, or genetics.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, treatment is based on the underlying cause of the excessive gum display. One possible option is gum contouring, a cosmetic periodontal procedure that removes and reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth structure and create a more balanced relationship between the teeth and gums.
Gum contouring may also be used to improve uneven gumlines or reshape excess gum tissue around certain teeth. Patients with gum recession typically require a different type of periodontal treatment, such as gum grafting, rather than removal of additional gum tissue.
Our Board-Certified Periodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. For more than three decades, Coastal Jaw Surgery has provided patients throughout the Tampa Bay area with periodontal, dental implant, oral surgery, and Same Day Teeth® services.
To schedule an appointment for gum contouring or treatment of a gummy smile, contact Coastal Jaw Surgery today at (800) NEW-LOOK.
Periodontology Reviews
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Michael A. Pikos
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Michael A. Pikos is the CEO and Founder of Coastal Jaw Surgery, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. He is also the CEO and Founder of the world renowned Pikos Institute in Trinity, FL. He is recognized as a world authority on dental implant surgical reconstruction.
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Nicole Hernandez
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Othman Rezki
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Philip J.
Hedger
Prosthodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Lindsey
Pikos Rosati
Periodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Anthony M. Pikos
Periodontist
Dr. Bashar Adeinat
Periodontist
STEPS INVOLVED IN GUM CONTOURING
Though gum contouring can be done strictly for cosmetic purposes, it is often performed as part of a larger mouth rehabilitation plan, which may involve additional procedures such as bridges, porcelain veneers, fillings, or crowns. Prior to performing the gum contouring procedure, we will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to determine any underlying conditions that need to be addressed, and take a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, which will provide us with 3D images of your bone, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and teeth, allowing us to make informed treatment decisions.
During the gum contouring process, we will do everything we can to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort, which is why we offer varying levels of sedation, including oral sedatives, nitrous oxide, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Once you are sedated, the procedure will begin with the removal and shaping of your gum tissue, using either a laser, scalpel, or both. The procedure will continue until enough natural tooth has been sufficiently exposed to create an aesthetically pleasing tooth-to-gum ratio. Following this, the area is cleaned, and bandages are placed to protect your gums.
AFTERCARE FOLLOWING GUM CONTOURING
Following gum contouring, post-procedural pain, swelling, and complications can be minimized or avoided if the following instructions are closely followed.
- Post-procedural pain typically develops once the anesthetic wears off. Once you begin to feel discomfort or pain, take OTC or prescription medication as directed.
- Place ice packs on the area where surgery occurred for twenty minutes at a time to control swelling.
- You may experience tooth sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures, but this should go away as the healing process progresses.
- Follow a soft food diet and chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the dressing, slowly reintroducing harder foods as the healing process progresses.
- Avoid tobacco products and alcohol, as both can slow the healing process
- Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw for the first 24 hours minimum.
- If possible, limit intense physical activity for the first three days, but most importantly following surgery.
In addition to following these aftercare instructions, we strongly encourage our clients to follow a six-month ongoing maintenance program, which includes regular professional cleanings of your teeth and allows us to monitor your overall oral health. By closely following aftercare instructions, scheduling regular maintenance, and continuing to follow good daily oral hygiene habits, you should enjoy a fast recovery that is free of complications and continue to enjoy a bright, healthy smile.
Same Day Teeth®
at Pikos Institute
8740 Mitchell Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34655
(727) 877-0011
at Clearwater, FL
Pinellas Periodontics
at Clearwater
3003 Enterprise Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 799-4492
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Palm Harbor
2711 Tampa Rd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 786-1631
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Spring Hill
4372 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL 34606
(352) 596-6804
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Tampa
11940 Sheldon Rd
Tampa, FL 33626
(727) 877-0011
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Trinity
8845 Hawbuck St
Trinity, FL 34655
(727) 375-0469
COST OF GUM CONTOURING
The cost of correcting a gummy smile with gum contouring will depend on a variety of factors, including whether additional procedures are performed as part of your treatment plan, what type of dental sedation is used, and (if applicable) your dental insurance plan coverage. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to providing you with high-quality oral care in a manner that is simple and efficient. To help meet your unique budget and needs, we offer the following financing options:
- Carecredit® Healthcare Financing (interest-free financing for dental care)
- GreenSky® Patient Financing
- Lending Club Patient Financing
We also accept traditional insurance, and as a courtesy to you, we are happy to file and track your insurance claim and assist with insurance family plans. To help facilitate this process, please have your insurance information prepared at your appointment, including your insurance and identification card. To help you maximize your benefits, we are also happy to provide a written diagnostic report and X-rays to your insurance company if necessary.
Please note: Dental insurance only covers part of your total expenses, and remaining out-of-pocket expenses must be paid following service. We accept cash, debit cards, and most major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express).
Contact Coastal Jaw Surgery
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, our goal is to improve your oral health, restore the function and appearance of your smile, and support your overall quality of life.
Whether you are receiving oral surgery, dental implants, or periodontal treatment, you can feel confident knowing your care is guided by professionals who remain closely involved in advancements within implant dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.
To learn more about our practice and services or to schedule an appointment for a gum contouring consultation, contact us today at (800) 639-5665 or complete our online form.