Is gum contouring right for you?
Gum contouring is a procedure that can correct an uneven gum line, a gummy smile, or even in the treatment of gum recession and periodontal disease. This simple, outpatient procedure can be accomplished in 15 minutes to an hour depending on the extent of treatment. Some dental offices offered gum contouring to their patients but if they do not, they will refer you to a periodontist for treatment.
What is the procedure for gum contouring?
Before administering a local anesthetic with an injection, your doctor will apply a topical numbing agent to the area being treated. After the area is numb, your doctor will use a soft tissue laser to trim away excess gum tissue or even up the gum line. The laser simultaneously cauterizes the area to prevent excessive bleeding. Since the area is cauterized, no sutures are required. Your doctor will provide you with a detailed list of postoperative instructions as well as an antibiotic to prevent infection.
How much does gum contouring cost?
A periodontist is a gum specialist and will likely have a higher fee schedule than a dentist performing the same procedure. Some dentists will not perform this procedure so it is necessary to see a periodontist. You can expect to pay between $50 and $350 per tooth. If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the cost of your treatment if it is deemed medically necessary such as with periodontal disease.
Is gum contouring a right for you?
Gum contouring is a quick and simple solution for patients suffering from a gummy smile or an uneven gum line. A gummy smile is indicated by excessive gum tissue covering tooth structure, creating the appearance of small teeth. This condition can be genetic or even the side effect of some prescription medications.
Patients with periodontal disease who have gum recession can also greatly benefit from gum contouring. Gum recession occurs when the gum pockets between the gum tissue and tooth surface become infected with plaque buildup and bacteria. This causes the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth surface leading to sensitivity, exposed root surface, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Your doctor can use gum contouring to reshape receding gum tissue, eradicating plaque and bacteria and allowing the gum tissue to heal closer to the tooth surface.
Postoperative Oral Care
The postoperative instructions your doctor provides for you will lay out detailed directions for oral care as well as dietary restrictions that should be observed until your surgery site is fully healed. It is very important to keep your mouth as clean as possible to prevent infection so while you should still brush and floss regularly, it is imperative that you take great care at your surgery site. Using a warm salt water solution to rinse your mouth regularly, especially after eating, can help soothe the area and keep your mouth clear of food particles and debris.
Some swelling and tenderness can be expected and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as Advil or ibuprofen. Medications that contain aspirin should be avoided because aspirin promotes bleeding.