If you’re not happy with your smile, you’re not alone. Over half of American adults surveyed in 2023 reported feeling uncomfortable with their smile, and only 24% of those surveyed even show their teeth when they smile. So it’s no surprise that cosmetic dentistry is on the rise, as people are looking for ways to feel better about their smiles. One cosmetic dentistry procedure that is becoming more and more popular is gum contouring (also known as gingival contouring).
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring involves reshaping the gumline to give a more attractive smile. Gum contouring is a great choice for anyone who has a “gummy” smile, where the gums sit so low that the teeth appear small. Gum contouring is also great for anyone who has a very high gumline, where the teeth appear too long and the gums are barely visible when smiling. Finally, gum contouring is also used for patients with an uneven gum line, where the gums sit low on certain teeth and higher on others.
While gum contouring is most often done as a cosmetic procedure, there are certain situations where gum contouring is medically necessary. For patients whose gums have receded so far up that the tooth roots are at risk of exposure, gum contouring can add gum tissue back over the tooth. Some patients experience the opposite, where the gums grow so far down that they actually cover part of the tooth crown. For these patients, gum contouring is medically necessary to remove the excess gum tissue.
Benefits of Gum Contouring
For those who seek gum contouring as a cosmetic procedure, the main benefit is a better looking smile with a straight, even gumline. Gum contouring can eliminate an uneven gum line and give patients a smile they’re proud to show off. However, for those who need gum contouring for medical reasons, the surgery is about much more than just aesthetics. Gum contouring can help protect exposed roots, preventing sensitivity issues and decay. For those who have gums growing over the tooth crown, gum contouring removes the overgrown tissue to prevent biting down on it and causing bleeding and injury.
Potential Risks of Gum Contouring
Just like any other surgery, gum contouring also comes with some risks. Some risks of gum contouring surgery include:
- Infection
- Gum tissue regrowth
- Removing too much gum tissue
Additionally, some patients may need additional gum contouring procedures beyond the initial surgery, or may want other restorative or cosmetic procedures to achieve their desired look, such as dental crowns, veneers, or Invisalign®.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring
Does gum contouring hurt?
Local anesthesia is given before the gum contouring procedure, and additional anesthesia options are available for patients who need it. This anesthesia prevents pain and discomfort during the procedure. After gum contouring, patients can expect swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity for several days, up to a week. The dentist will typically prescribe over-the-counter pain relief medication to control discomfort during this period.
Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
If you are unhappy with your gum line for any reason, your dentist may recommend gum contouring surgery. This is a simple procedure that most patients do well with. However, for patients who have extensive decay, gum disease, or other serious dental conditions, those conditions will likely need to be resolved before gum contouring can be considered.
Gum Contouring in Bentonville, AR
Having an attractive smile with an even, properly placed gum line is a major confidence boost. Gum contouring is a popular cosmetic (and sometimes restorative) procedure that can give patients a dazzling, well balanced smile. Gum contouring offers benefits for patients with receding, overgrown, or uneven gums. At Integrated Dentistry in Bentonville, Arkansas, we offer gum contouring surgery for our patients who are unhappy with their gum line or need gum reshaping due to gum growth issues. If you’re in northwest Arkansas and want a beautiful, even smile you love showing off, schedule a smile consultation with our expert dental team by calling 479-333-1300 or requesting an appointment online.