It is normal for different people to have different gumlines. However, some patients dislike the look of their gums or smile. Gum contouring is a dental procedure that is used to change the appearance of the gumline.
Gum contouring reasons
These procedures involve either removing or restoring gum tissue. While usually used to improve the appearance of the gumline, contouring can sometimes be a medically necessary procedure.
Medical recommendations
Surgical gum treatments are sometimes used for periodontal disease when nonsurgical treatments, such as dental cleanings or antibiotics, fail to resolve the problem. Surgeries used to save teeth or regenerate damaged gum and bone tissue may include gum contouring procedures.
Gum contouring process
Most gum contouring procedures can be performed in office during a single visit and take one to two hours to complete. For procedures to remove gum tissue, a soft tissue laser or scalpel extracts excess tissue and reveals more of the teeth. Sutures are sometimes needed to keep the gum tissue in place until it heals.
For procedures to add gum tissue, tissue is extracted from a different part of the mouth, such as the palate. The dentist then surgically attaches that tissue to the gumline to change the length and shape.
Aftercare
Many patients experience a degree of numbness and tenderness after a gum contouring procedure. The amount of discomfort varies and tends to be more severe for patients who have larger amounts of tissue removed or reshaped. Patients may receive a prescription for pain relievers or be instructed to take over-the-counter pain medication.
Patients can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area to help reduce swelling for the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Application of ice should be limited to 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and patients should avoid applying ice directly to the area. Wrapping ice or cold packs in a towel can help prevent frostbite.
The initial discomfort usually resolves in one to two days, but complete healing may take several weeks. Patients may need to restrict some activities during this time. Additionally, it is recommended that patients eat only soft foods, such as yogurt, Jell-O, soup, or applesauce until the tenderness in the gums resolves. Patients who notice signs of infection, such as discharge from the gums or increased pain and swelling, should notify their dentist.
Most dentists schedule a follow-up appointment within a few days to a week after the procedure. The dentist checks for any signs of infection and assesses the healing process during this visit. The dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse to reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their gumline may be able to achieve the look they desire by having a gum contouring procedure performed. The procedure is well-tolerated by most patients and can typically be performed in a single visit with minimal downtime.
Request an appointment here: https://escondidofamilydentistry.com/ or call Escondido Family Dental Care & Specialty Center at (760) 747-7223 for an appointment in our Escondido office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Contouring in Escondido, CA.
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