There are many misconceptions surrounding gum contouring, and people tend to be frightened by the term. If you're considering this procedure, here's an outline of what you can expect at your appointment and how you can prepare yourself beforehand to make sure the process goes smoothly, and you get the results you want!
In gum contouring, the excess gum tissue is removed. This may be performed for cosmetic reasons, but it can also have a functional purpose if an overabundance of gum tissue interferes with biting or chewing. A dentist will take down excess tissue and place sutures to ensure that gums stay firm and healthy.
Before any excess tissue is removed, your dentist will thoroughly examine you and develop a customized treatment plan based on your unique oral health needs. If contouring is recommended, you may be given antibiotics to protect against infection. The procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on how much tissue needs to be removed. Before having contour surgery, it's important to understand that there are risks associated with it, including infection or damage to soft tissues in your mouth, such as nerves and blood vessels.
Your dentist will likely numb your gums with local anesthesia to perform contouring. Next, they will make a small incision where excess tissue is located. The dentist may also use lasers to remove some tissue and speed up healing time. Once all excess tissue has been removed, sutures may be used to help ensure that there's no bleeding or infection.
Patients may feel mild discomfort after contouring, but they can generally return to work and daily activities shortly after their procedure. After surgery, patients will want to take it easy for several days or weeks as gums heal and swelling goes down. While there are few long-term complications associated with contouring, patients need to keep their appointments so that doctors can monitor how well healing is progressing.
A patient may experience some temporary discomfort during contouring, but there are very few complications associated with gum contouring. When healing is complete, contouring helps patients improve their smile lines by removing unwanted tissue from the gums.
Although there are few risks associated with contouring, patients may experience some discomfort. During your consultation, make sure you understand every step of your procedure and that you're comfortable with any side effects or potential problems that may arise. Contouring is typically safe when performed by an experienced professional.
Another potential risk of contouring is infection. Always be sure to follow any post-procedure care instructions, including cleaning your mouth, taking antibiotics or pain medications as directed, and avoiding foods that are hard to chew for several days. For minor surgical procedures like contouring, serious infections aren't common. But it's important to keep an eye on any swelling or discomfort around your gums, as well as notice if you're experiencing increased pain.
Request an appointment here: https://www.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.
At first glance, it may seem that a patient has a gummy smile because of small teeth, but this normally is not the case. Most gummy smiles are a result of gums covering up too much of the upper tooth. Smiles that have a disproportionate balance between teeth and gums can detract from a person’s…
Like tooth decay, gum disease is preventable. You can avoid serious oral health problems by improving a few habits and being more diligent about your dental care. Gum disease can affect people of all ages. It can also contribute to infections, tooth loss, and other concerns. Your dentist can help you avoid this condition and…
Gum disease is usually fairly painless and it progresses slowly. That means it can easily become advanced before you even realize what is happening. The result is that your gums will begin to deteriorate and your teeth may become loose in the sockets. The good news is that you can follow some easy hygiene tips…
Many oral health problems may cause long-lasting damage, and one of the most troublesome issues is gum disease. This condition, which is typically caused by infrequent or incorrect brushing and flossing, chronic illnesses and certain lifestyle choices, can cause pain, swelling and eventual tooth loss. Inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis, can strike almost anyone,…
Looking for a reason to smile brighter? Dive into the world of TeethXpress, where dental care isn't just a necessity; it's a revolution. Say goodbye to the days of lengthy procedures and hello to same-day solutions that will transform your smile in no time. In this blog, we'll explore how TeethXpress in Escondido, CA, offers…
Mother's Day is a time to celebrate the special women in our lives and show appreciation for all they do. This year, consider honoring your mother’s smile by exploring the transformative power of implants. Whether she's missing a single tooth or several, dental implants in Escondido, CA, offer a permanent solution. Stick to this blog…