Gum Contouring Treatment can Help With A Gummy Smile

Looking into gum contouring options? Many people who have a gummy smile undergo dental treatment to make their smiles more attractive. General dentists who offer cosmetic services can treat gummy smiles through a gum contouring procedure. Ready to learn more?

Gum contouring treatment

Understanding what is involved with gum contouring treatment is the first step one needs to make when considering improving a gummy smile. Gummy smiles are smiles that show too much gum tissue, which makes the proportion of teeth to gums look unnatural. Gum contouring treatment is a dental procedure performed in order to remove some of the excess gum tissue from the gum line, allowing one to experience a more proportional and therefore more attractive smile.

Treating a gummy smile

Gum contouring treatment helps reveal more of a patient's tooth structure, giving the overall appearance of larger teeth. The procedure requires patients to undergo a local anesthetic so they do not feel anything while the procedure is being performed. Then, the dentist will carefully remove any excess gum tissue that is located near the base of the patient's teeth. Since the goal is to remove the proper amount of gum in order to reveal more of a tooth’s structure, the procedure is one that should only be performed by an experienced dentist.

Traditional gum contouring procedures are performed using a dental scalpel, while modern gum contouring procedures are performed using a dental laser. While both types of procedures are very efficient when it comes to treating a gummy smile, patients who prefer one type of treatment over another can choose to undergo their preferred treatment option. Some patients may choose to undergo additional dental treatments to enhance their smile, with porcelain veneers being one of the more popular additional treatments patients are choosing.

In order to undergo gum contouring for addressing a gummy smile, candidates need to make a consultation appointment in order to get approval. For the most part, patients who have small teeth, worn down teeth, underdeveloped teeth or simply has too much gum, are considered to be a good candidate. It is also necessary for candidates to be in good oral health, which means both their teeth and their gums need to be overall healthy.

Recovery

Recovering from gum contouring treatment tends to take up to 10 days. Patients will receive specific recovery instructions from the dentist, which need to be carefully followed in order for them to expect a successful recovery. Examples of recovery instructions include gently brushing and flossing, not eating spicy or crunchy foods, avoiding strenuous activities and taking over the counter pain medications to address any discomfort or pain.

To conclude

Now that the above information on gum contouring treatment has been read, those who have a gummy smile understand how a general dentist can help. To find out more, reach out today. Questions and concerns can be addressed, and an appointment can be scheduled. 

Are you considering gum contouring in the Albuquerque area? Get more information at https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com.

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