Gum Sculpting
For many of our patients, obtaining that perfect smile has very little to do with their teeth. Instead, their gums are the source of their issues. Are you self-conscious about your smile because of an imperfect gum line? Is it too thick, as though your teeth aren’t long enough and your smile is unhealthy? You’ve landed in the right place. Gum sculpting, also known as gum contouring, may be the answer for you. It is a form of dental surgery that entails reshaping the gum line in order to help you achieve the smile you’ve always desired.
In addition to providing smile makeovers to residents of Long Beach and the surrounding areas, we also provide the following cosmetic dentistry services in Long Beach: Teeth Whitening, Invisalign, Veneers, Smile Makeover, Bonding, and Orthodontics.
Gum sculpting can help with a variety of aesthetic problems involving the gums. The following are some of them:
- Discolored gums.
- Uneven gum line.
- Red and puffy gums.
- Teeth that appear too short.
- Teeth that appear uneven or crooked.
- Gummy smile or overgrowth of gum tissue.
- Pain and inflammation due to rubbing of excess gum tissue.
Gum sculpting helps to achieve a uniform gumline that matches the size of your teeth.
Gum sculpting is a straightforward in-office process that can normally be completed in one visit. The length of the procedure is determined by the amount of reshaping that is needed. This procedure is usually performed by one of our periodontist or cosmetic dentist. You will be given local anesthesia to relax your gums after we determine that you are a good candidate for this minimally invasive procedure.
Your new gum line will be marked with a special pen by one of our dentist. The gum line will be contoured, and excess gum tissue will be removed using scalers and other dental equipment. Laser technology is still preferred in contemporary dentistry. The gum tissue can be kept in place with sutures.
The surgery would consist of inserting gum tissue if your condition is receding gums. To repair the gum tissue, we will will cut a piece of your palate or another section of your mouth.
It’s important to relax and restrict your activities on the day of your surgery. Your gums will usually take several days or longer to recover fully. We will give you specific guidance to help in the recovery process.
When you’re healing from surgery, follow our instructions on when and how to clean your teeth. You will also reduce discomfort by following the doctor’s instructions and taking pain killers. It’s safest to eat soft foods like milk, eggs, and noodles for the first few days after the surgery. Avoid hot foods and anything containing seeds until the gums have healed fully.
If you experience excessive bleeding or swelling following your surgery, or if you have any questions, call us right away.
Are you debating whether or not gum sculpting is for you? Call us today at (562) 543-0721 to schedule your next dentist
