What is Gum Contouring?

Some people tend to have too much of their gums exposed when smiling. This condition is often referred to as gummy smile. Gum contouring is the surgical process whereby the gums are reshaped and aligned to a natural position to restore your perfect smile. It’s often regarded as more of a cosmetic surgery than a medical one.

How the Process Works

If you think your smile and overall facial appearance are somehow uneven, then gum contouring can help correct the size of the gum tissue, thus restoring your smile and face back to their natural look. The operation will be painless as you will be administered local anesthesia to make the gum tissues numb.

A dentist will use either scalpels or a laser to operate on the gum tissues. The gum tissues are aligned around the teeth to outline their natural shape. The gum contouring procedure takes about an hour and the process is done while you are awake, under anesthetic.

How Long Does the Healing Process Take?

After receiving gum contouring, the healing usually takes a few days or to some extent, a few weeks based on the severity of your surgery. You will have to adjust your diet by switching to softer but nutritious foods to help quicken the healing process. You may have soreness in the mouth. mild aches may also develop, but these discomforts can be managed with OTC medication. In case of excess pain, you can seek the dentist’s advice.

Do You Need Gum Contouring?

In cases you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your gums when you give a smile, it is likely that you may require an appointment with a dentist to see if gum contouring can work for you. First, you need to be examined and evaluated by taking some medical exams so that the dentist can measure your gumline and overall facial asymmetry.

In the event that you are on medication or have other underlying conditions like diabetes, you might be advised otherwise. Book an appointment with us for further consultations.