Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring, involves changing the shape of your gums to be more aesthetically pleasing. If your gums appear uneven or if they cover too much or too little of your teeth, you might consider gum reshaping to enhance your smile. Typically, gum contouring is not medically necessary and is only performed to improve the appearance of teeth and gums.
The techniques used for gum contouring depend on the particulars of your mouth. A periodontist or cosmetic dentist usually performs the procedures.
If you have a "gummy" smile — which means your teeth look small from excessive gum tissue — your dental professional will remove excess gum tissue using a laser or a scalpel. Then, they will sculpt a new gumline to expose more of your tooth. The procedure usually takes one or two hours. Though the dental professional will administer a local anaesthetic before the gum contouring begins, you can expect to feel some tenderness and discomfort afterward.
If you have too little gum tissue, also known as gum recession, your teeth might appear elongated or discoloured. However, receding gums also expose the tooth root to harmful bacteria and plaque, which can lead to bone loss and tooth decay. Sometimes gum recession occurs on just a few teeth, but it can also affect the whole mouth. Recession usually results from:
If you have periodontal disease, your dental professional will take steps to treat the infection before reshaping your gums. Once the infection is cleared, addressing gum recession usually requires removing tissue from another part of your mouth and grafting it to the receded area to help lengthen and reshape the gumline.
Gum surgery can be painful, and you might need to rest for a day or two, depending on how tender your gums feel. Complete healing can take a few days to a few weeks. While you heal, eat soft foods, and follow your dental professional's post-surgery instructions for caring for the site. If you see any signs of infection like increased pain or swelling, contact your dental professional immediately.
Gum reshaping could provide a simple solution for improving the appearance of your smile. However, you should consider the following factors before making a decision:
Ultimately, you should consult your dentist about whether gum reshaping is right for you. They can examine your teeth and gums and make the best recommendations for enhancing your smile.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
Gum disease
Finding the Best Toothpaste for Gums
Adult Oral Care
Hydrogen Peroxide and Oral Care BenefitsHydrogen peroxide is a whitening agent, but it can also help kill bacteria that damage your gums. Learn how hydrogen peroxide gums treatment works, here.
Adult Oral Care
Gum Stimulator: What Is It And How Do I Use It?What is a gum stimulator and should you add one to your oral hygiene routine? Learn more, here.
