What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping Des Plaines, IL
People who are embarrassed about their smile may want to consider gum contouring to improve the symmetry and balance of their smile. The term is synonymous with gum reshaping, and the terms can be used interchangeably. Gum contouring, or reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that evens out the gum line and may also offer medical benefits.
Gum reshaping is available at Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines and the surrounding area. People who are looking for a simple and effective way of improving their smile may want to consider gum contouring. We can discuss the procedure and help determine if it is a good choice. Call us at (847) 553-4848 to schedule an appointment.
Reasons For Gum Reshaping
Most people probably do not think about their gums often except when they floss or are at the dentist's office. However, for some people, gum tissue can be a real concern. It may be uneven, which causes the smile to look asymmetrical.
The gum tissue may be too high, which makes the teeth look longer than normal. The tissue may also be too low, which makes the teeth look small. According to the National Library of Medicine, the latter effect is known as a gummy smile, and it occurs when the gum line drops 4 mm or more.
“Most people probably do not think about their gums often except when they floss or are at the dentist’s office.”
Benefits of a Gum Contouring Procedure
Gum contouring offers both medical and cosmetic benefits. In general, reshaping the gum line improves one's smile and helps prevent future dental issues. The specific benefits associated with this procedure include:
- Evens the gum line: When the gum line is uneven, it can actually cause the teeth to look crooked. If the teeth do not look straight but the dentist says braces are not needed, contouring may be the answer. It can balance and even up the smile.
- Reduces the gum line: When there is extra gum tissue, it can result in a gummy smile. It can also dull the color of the teeth. When this excess tissue is removed, one of the results is whiter-looking teeth, which greatly brightens the smile.
- Fights tooth decay: One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is that it helps fight decay in the mouth. Excess gum tissue can trap food, which makes it harder to clean. This results in bacteria leading to tooth decay.
“One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is it helps fight decay in the mouth.”
How the Gum Contouring Process Works
First, a dentist will examine the patient to determine if gum reshaping is necessary for medical reasons or strictly a cosmetic procedure. If it is medically necessary, the dentist must first treat the underlying cause of the issue. Then, the dentist can use a scalpel or laser to cut away overgrown tissue. If the patient has a receding gum line, the dentist will graft part of the existing gums onto the gum line.
For cosmetic procedures, the dentist will use a pen to mark the desired gum line before beginning the surgery. During the consultation, we can review all possible treatment options with the patient to determine which option is best to meet their needs.
“If it is medically necessary, the dentist must first treat the underlying cause of the issue.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping in Des Plaines, IL
The Recovery Process for Gum Reshaping
Though gum reshaping requires little downtime, it may take days or weeks for patients to heal completely. However, recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery. Patients may have to limit their activities for one or two days, depending on how they feel and any tenderness they have. We will provide specific post-surgery dietary instructions to the patients.
In most cases, patients will usually have a follow-up appointment anywhere from a few days to a week after the procedure to monitor healing. This is also a chance for the patient to bring up any questions or concerns they have about maintaining their oral health and new smile.
“Though gum reshaping requires little downtime, it may take days or weeks for patients to heal completely.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why would someone get gum reshaping?
Q. What are the benefits of getting a gum contouring procedure?
Q. How is the gum contouring procedure performed?
Q. How long does it take to recover from gum surgery?
Q. What is the recovery process for gum contouring like?
People Also Ask
Q. How can I cope with dental anxiety?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. What are the signs of gum disease?
Q. What are root scaling and root planing?
Lifestyle Restrictions While Recovering from Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is typically completed in a single appointment and has a recovery period of a few days to several weeks. During that time, patients may experience sore gums and will be restricted from hard and spicy foods. Patients should eat soft foods until the healing process is complete. They will also be required to be extremely gentle when brushing their teeth and may be prescribed an antibiotic mouthwash to prevent infection from occurring.
Our team is here to help guide the patient throughout the recovery process. During the consultation, we can also review how to maintain their oral health after the initial procedure. If a patient has any concerns about their gums or teeth after the procedure, we encourage them to call us as soon as possible. We can schedule an appointment to examine their teeth and help them receive the treatment they need.
“Gum contouring is typically completed in a single appointment and has a recovery period of several weeks.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is gum reshaping comfortable?
A. Most patients feel no pain during the reshaping procedure because most dentists use a local anesthetic to numb their mouths. However, many patients experience minor discomfort for several days after the operation. Over-the-counter medications such as Aleve®, Motrin®, Advil®, and Tylenol® should relieve any soreness.
Q. Does insurance cover the cost of gum reshaping?
A. Patients should contact their insurance providers to determine the cost of this procedure. Not all insurance companies will cover it if it is only for cosmetic purposes. Some plans may cover the cost only if the treatment is medically necessary.
Q. Are there any risks with gum reshaping?
A. There are few risks associated with gum contouring. Some patients may develop infections that can easily be cured with antibiotics. Others may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, but this is extremely rare.
Q. Who is a candidate for gum reshaping?
A. Anyone unsatisfied with the appearance of their gum line is a candidate for this procedure. The American Academy of Periodontology states that this treatment can be particularly beneficial for patients whose gum lines have shifted due to tooth loss. Because this procedure also has medical benefits, it is an effective solution for patients with periodontal disease.
Q. How is gum contouring performed?
A. Dentists use a pen to mark the desired gumline. Next, they use either a scalpel or a laser to remove excess tissue. Then, grafted gums are stitched together so the healing process can begin.
Scan here to view this page, What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping, on mobile
Gum Disease Terminology
Learn More About Gum Contouring
If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for gum reshaping, we can help. We will evaluate your gums and teeth, discuss your personal goals, and go over the most effective options. For additional questions about gum contouring, give our office a call at 847-553-4848.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Apple Family Dental was established in 1994.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cook County and Lake County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Wheeling, Skokie, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, and Prospect Heights
- National Provider Identifier Database (1558090167). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Apple Family Dental on mobile
Back to top of What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping
Related Posts
Standard Cosmetic Dental Services To Improve Your Smile
If you suffer from crooked, damaged, or discolored teeth, cosmetic dental services may be able to help. Bright, straight teeth can boost your confidence and make you more willing to share your smile with the world.Dentists offer various cosmetic dental services, so there are plenty of options available depending on your budget and what is…
Cosmetic Dental Services To Fix Teeth Crowding
Cosmetic dental services can transform a person's smile by treating oral health issues like teeth crowding. A cosmetic dentist will use whichever dental procedures benefit their patient. It is not uncommon for a cosmetic dentist to use orthodontics or restorative dentistry to improve a smile. The type of treatment that the dentist recommends will depend…
Cosmetic Dental Services For Worn Teeth
Cosmetic dental services can be used to repair worn-down teeth. Teeth can be eroded by acids in the mouth and the bite forces generated when chewing. They can also become damaged due to habits like chewing on ice or biting on fingernails.Worn-down teeth often lead to issues like toothaches because the more sensitive inner layer…
How Do Clear Aligners Work For Teeth Straightening?
Clear aligners are a discreet teeth straightening treatment option that involves custom-fit transparent trays that pull teeth into an ideal position. It is a great way to improve the attractiveness of your smile and fix issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, protruding teeth and bite complications. Patients who know more about the treatment…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Apple Family Dental on mobile