Gum Contouring

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which the dentist surgically alters the shape and size of your gums. During a gum reduction surgery, the dentist cuts away or removes excess gum tissues to treat a “gummy smile.” Alternatively, the dentist can also restore receding gum tissues.

Gum contouring surgery is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, so it’s usually not considered medically necessary. However, gum contouring helps you smile confidently, which can boost your confidence and improve the quality of your life.

However, in some situations, gum contouring surgery may also be medically necessary. If you’re suffering from periodontal disease, your dentist may use laser gum contouring to remove the infected gum tissues to halt periodontitis from spreading. Alternatively, the dentist may also use gum tissue grafts to restore lost gum tissues.

Gum contouring surgery is an in-office procedure that usually concludes in a single session. In most cases, you remain awake for the entire procedure because the dentist only provides local anesthesia to numb the target region.

During the gum contouring surgery procedure, the dentist will use a soft tissue laser or scalpel to remove excess gum tissues or sculpt the gum tissues for optimal cosmetic value. Laser gum contouring is ideal because it’s a lot more effective than traditional scalpel-based gum contouring surgery.

If the gum contouring surgery necessitates the addition of gum tissues, the dentist may have to plan gum tissue grafts from another part of your mouth. In this case, the dentist may acquire the gum tissue grafts from your palate and secure it to your teeth, lengthening the gumline. The entire gum contouring surgery procedure usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours.

Gum contouring surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure that leads to little downtime. It may take a few days or weeks for your gums to heal completely, but you can resume most of your daily activities immediately.

Your gums will feel sensitive for a few days after the procedure. During that period, you should eat soft foods, such as yogurt, soup, Jell-O, etc. Your dentist will discuss dietary restrictions at length, instructing you on the types of food you must avoid.