A beautiful smile is highly cherished by many. However, gums that are either too high or too low can water down the appearance of your awesome smile by making your teeth appear either too large or too small, respectively. This improper gum alignment is genetic and is usually corrected through a procedure called gum contouring or reshaping. Basically, gum contouring is a simple cosmetic dental operation aimed at evening out the otherwise uneven gum line.

 

What Causes These Gum Issues?

Despite the condition being largely genetic, a number of other things can be attributed to its cause. Gum that covers large portions of your teeth, making them look small, can also be a result of certain health conditions or prescription drugs.

On the other hand, gums that are too high, making your teeth appear abnormally longer, is usually as a result of gum recession. This condition, where the gums pull back from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots, can also cause tooth loss and decay.

 

 

How Does Gum Contouring Work?

Gum contouring is a simple dentistry procedure that is painless and fast. Two methods are mostly used to perform the operation. Using a scalpel is the most common technique. However, the most suitable, convenient, and easy method is to use a laser. This technique, unlike the former, is relatively faster and helps to prevent much blood loss due to the incision. With the laser method, the wound seals as the cutting continues, making stitching unnecessary and helping the wound heal quickly.

Before the operation, the patient is usually given an anesthetic; hence, the whole procedure is painless. Moreover, gum contouring is done in a single dental visit. The end result of the operation is permanent, as the gum will not recede when reshaped nor grow back when trimmed off. Additionally, a small piece of bone is normally removed at the tooth’s root to ensure lasting results.

As there is no surgical operation that doesn’t involve some sort of risk, gum contouring has these two risks: relapse of the gum tissues and allergic reaction to the anesthesia which is very rare. Therefore, it is very important to go to a skillful doctor to eliminate any of the possible risks.

 

How to Heal After Gum Contouring

• Eat cool, soft foods and avoid food with seeds at all cost.
• Use a pain reliever as directed by your doctor and avoid aspirin, as it causes gum bleeding.
• Follow the doctor’s directive on how and when to brush your teeth

If you are uncomfortable with your smile due to high or low gums, gum reshaping can help you rectify that smile and make you confident again. Try it today!