Gum reshaping is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue and sculpting a new gum line. This will make your teeth appear longer and improve the appearance of your smile.
The procedure is usually done by a periodontist or a cosmetic dentist. Before the procedure begins, they will administer an 강남임플란트 anesthetic to ensure that you won’t feel any pain during the process.
During the procedure
Whether using scalpels or lasers, gum contouring is a relatively quick procedure. It is a great option for patients who are self-conscious about their smile due to an uneven or excessive gum line, which makes teeth appear shorter and disproportionate in size.
After the gum reshaping procedure, you will experience some pain and swelling, which is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Your provider will provide guidelines for a proper diet, recommending you avoid spicy or hot foods to reduce inflammation. You will also be advised to not exercise for a day or two, as this can increase bleeding and swelling.
Aside from its cosmetic benefits, gum reshaping is also useful for patients with periodontal issues. Removing excess gum tissue can prevent food particles from becoming trapped, which is a major cause of tooth decay and periodontal disease. It can also help strengthen the tooth along the gum line and reduce sensitivity. Lastly, it can improve a “gummy smile” by exposing more of your natural smile.
After the procedure
Once the gums are numb, your dentist will use a scalpel or laser tool to trim away and reshape the gum tissue as desired. You may experience slight discomfort or soreness in the days following the procedure, but it is generally proportional to the amount of reshaping performed. An over-the-counter pain reliever containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can be used as directed to ease the discomfort.
The periodontist or dentist will also give you guidelines on eating, including avoiding hot, spicy, crunchy or sticky foods that could irritate the sensitive gum area. They may also advise you to take it easy and avoid exercise until the area heals, as getting your heart rate up can increase bleeding and swelling.
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that can even out an uneven gum line and create a more balanced, attractive smile. However, it can be used to treat an underlying issue such as periodontal disease and prevent pockets from forming that can trap bacteria and lead to infections.
Preparation for the procedure
You will be given an anesthetic to numb the gum tissue before the surgery begins. We may also use a laser tool that not only trims, but cauterizes and seals the tissue, eliminating bleeding and the need for sutures.
The cosmetic aspect is one reason many people opt to undergo the procedure, but it’s important for your oral health, too. Excess gum tissue can trap food particles, which accelerates tooth decay and periodontal disease. Removing the extra tissue exposes more of your crown and makes teeth appear longer and healthier.
After your procedure, you’ll be advised to eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, pudding, or ice cream for a few days and avoid anything that could irritate the gums. You will likely need to schedule a follow-up visit so your dentist can ensure the gums are healing properly. If you have stitches, your doctor will provide specific instructions about their care and removal. It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually adequate.
Recovery
Gum contouring can help make your smile more attractive by reducing excessive gum tissue that covers too much or little of the tooth. It can also help if you have uneven gum tissue that needs to be balanced out. However, it is important to note that gum reshaping is not medically necessary and is performed only for cosmetic purposes.
After a procedure like this it is common to experience tenderness and discomfort. It is recommended to take aspirin-free pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, during the recovery process to help alleviate these symptoms. It is also advised to refrain from using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as these can irritate the gums during the healing process.
It is also advisable to stick to a diet of soft foods, such as yogurt, soup, eggs, and applesauce, for several days following the surgery. Hard or crunchy foods can aggravate the area and prolong the recovery process. It is also important to brush and floss regularly as normal to help keep the area clean.