at Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Coastal Jaw Surgery
GUMMY SMILE & GUM CONTOURING FOR EXCESSIVE GINGIVAL DISPLAY
A gummy smile is a term used to describe excessive gingival display, which creates the appearance of teeth being shorter than they are. Gummy smile can be caused by over-eruption of the maxillary anterior teeth, excessive vertical growth of the maxilla bone, hyperfunction of the muscle responsible for opening the upper lift, abnormal eruption, or a combination of these factors. Certain patients are also genetically predisposed to having a gummy smile. Our clinic offers several treatment options to correct a gummy smile, including gum contouring, a cosmetic procedure that involves removing portions of your excess gum to expose more of your natural tooth and create a balanced ratio of teeth-to-gums. In addition to correcting a gummy smile, gum contouring can also be performed to correct receding gum tissue as well as misshapen or uneven teeth.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, every patient who walks through our door will receive VIP Treatment delivered by Board-Certified Periodontists who specialize in identifying and treating periodontal disease and issues related to the periodontium. We also provide comprehensive treatment options to ensure similar issues do not develop in the future. For over three decades, we have proudly provided thousands of patients in the Tampa Bay area with dental implant and oral surgery services, including oral surgery, Same Day Teeth®, and periodontal services. To schedule an appointment for gum contouring to correct a gummy smile, contact us 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. Kenneth L.
Anderson
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Nicole Hernandez
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Andrew
Lalli
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Othman
Rezki
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Lindsey
Pikos Rosati
Periodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Anthony M. Pikos
Periodontist
Dr. Bashar Adeinat
Periodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Philip J.
Hedger
Prosthodontist
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 place, 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, which allows 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 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 courtesy to you, 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
In addition to maintaining a private practice, Dr. Pikos also founded the Pikos Institute in 1990, a now globally recognized teaching organization that provides surgical and technology-based training for clinicians throughout the country to perform predictable, prosthetically driven implant dentistry. Whether you are having oral surgery, dental implants, or periodontal services, you can feel confident that you are receiving care from oral health professionals who are at the forefront of oral surgery education and leaders in the fields of periodontal services and implant dentistry.
To learn more about our clinic and services, or to schedule an appointment for gum contouring or other treatment option to correct a gummy smile, contact us today at (800) 639-5665 or fill out an online form.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!