At Park Smiles NYC, we speak with patients who are unhappy with the appearance and shape of their gums. While most people think of procedures like teeth whitening when it comes to improving their smile, the appearance of the gums also has a significant impact on one’s smile. And that’s where gum recontouring comes in.
Gum recontouring is a procedure performed by a periodontist that helps change the shape of your gums that are too high or too low. Gums that are too high and make your teeth appear long are often caused by gum recession, a condition where gum tissue pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth’s root.
Not only can gum recession make your teeth look long, but it can lead to serious dental problems such as decay and tooth loss. Gum recession may also be a sign of periodontal disease, which is the deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth (i.e. gums and bone).
Additionally, gums that cover large portion of your teeth can make your teeth look small. This may be the result of genetics, an underlying health problem, or even taking certain prescription drugs.
A procedure not just for cosmetic reasons While gum recontouring is often considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary, there are many patients who undergo gum recontouring surgery as part of necessary periodontal procedures, including crown lengthening and pocket reduction. Gum recontouring may also be necessary when recession has occurred and trimming overgrown tissue that has covered part of the tooth crown is required.
Thanks to advanced technology – including laser dentistry and sedation dentistry — gum recontouring is today a safe, precise and minimally painless procedure. Rather than cutting into gum tissue with a scalpel, as with traditional surgery, a precise dental laser vaporizes gum tissue, thereby killing bacteria and immediately sealing the wound. This results in far less trauma to the tissue with greater precision than ever before! Unlike traditional gum surgery, laser gum recontouring offers:
As mentioned, thanks to laser and sedation dentistry, there will be minimal discomfort during the actual procedure. However, even with laser surgery, patients will experience some swelling and discomfort in the days immediately following the surgery. Following are some general guidelines to follow that will help manage your pain and optimize your results:
Creating world-class smiles with a universal approach to empathetic dental care
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
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